WO2015197671A1 - Toothbrush having movable elements - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a toothbrush comprising a main member that includes a handle portion, a neck portion and a head portion (6.1). At least one brush member (10a, 10b), which forms at least part of the brush head (5.1) along with the head portion (6.1) and is movable relative to the head portion (6.1), is disposed in the head portion (6.1). The at least one brush member (10a, 10b) can be moved under the effect of a cleaning movement manually exerted on the teeth.

Description

 TOOTHBRUSH WITH MOVING ELEMENTS

The invention relates to the field of dental care and relates to a toothbrush comprising a base body with a handle part, a neck part and a head part, wherein in the head part at least one movable relative to the head part Bürstenköiper is arranged with cleaning bristles. The invention further relates to a method for producing a toothbrush according to the invention.

Conventional toothbrushes, in which the bristle movement takes place exclusively by means of a manual cleaning movement, referred to below as manual toothbrushes, comprise a bristle field, arranged in the brush head, of a plurality of cleaning bristles. The cleaning bristles are firmly anchored in the brush head. The movement of the cleaning bristle relative to the brush head is limited to the elastic bending of the cleaning bristles.

There are also known toothbrushes, in which cleaning bristles are fixed on a support body, which in turn is movably mounted on the brush head.

Thus, the publication US Pat. No. 5,996,157 describes a manual toothbrush in which cleaning bristles are mounted on a rotary plate. The rotary plate with the cleaning bristles is mounted for this purpose on a rotation axis on the brush head. The spin plate with the cleaning bristles is now rotated when performing a cleaning movement in rotation. In contrast to electric toothbrushes, in which a plurality of movement patterns for cleaning bristles or bristle fields are known, the development in the field of manual toothbrushes, in which cleaning bristles or fields are movable relative to the brush head, less far.

New movement patterns of cleaning bristles or of entire bristle fields in manual toothbrushes allow improved cleaning and care effects or a more gentle dental care. It is therefore an object of the invention to propose a manual toothbrush which allows optimum cleaning and care effects.

Another object of the invention is to propose a manual toothbrush, which allows a gentle dental care.

The object is achieved with the features of claim 1. The dependent claims contain particular embodiments and further developments of the invention. The invention is characterized in that at least one, relative to the head part movable brush body is arranged in the head part, which forms at least a portion of a brush head together with the head part, wherein the at least one brush body via a manually applied to the teeth cleaning movement relative to the head part is movable.

According to one embodiment of the invention, at least two, relative to the head part and relatively movable Bürstenköiper are arranged in the head part, which form at least a portion of a brush head together with the head part, wherein the at least two brush body via a manually applied to the teeth cleaning movement relative to the head part movable are. The brush body contains a bristle carrier on which the cleaning bristles are arranged. The bristle carrier may have a height of 2 to 4 mm, in particular from 2 to 3 mm. The brush body can have a length of 5 to 18 mm. The brush body may have a width of 5 to 18 mm. If the brush body is elliptical or round, in particular circular, then this may have a maximum diameter of 5 to 18 mm, in particular 10 to 15 mm.

The head part can form the brush head of the toothbrush together with the at least one or the at least two brush bodies.

The brush head defines a geometric cleaning plane, which corresponds to the plane that is performed during tooth cleaning parallel to the tooth surface. For example, in the case of rectified bristles of the same length, the surface of the bristle ends lies parallel to the cleaning plane. The cleaning plane is in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush.

The term "parallel" basically does not mean strictly geometric parallelism. The term is also intended to include essentially parallel arrangements which have the same effect as a strictly parallel arrangement.

In particular, the brush head has a dental care side, also the front side, and a rear side opposite the dental care side. The dental care side corresponds to the side facing the teeth to be cleaned. The cleaning bristles are directed with their free ends in particular to the dental care side.

The main body is in particular produced in one piece in an injection molding process. In particular, the main body contains a hard component which gives the basic body the necessary bending stiffness and dimensional stability. The main body can also consist of a hard component. In particular, the head part contains or consists of a hard component, which gives it the necessary rigidity and dimensional stability. The main body can be made up of several components. A first component may be a Haitkomponente which gives the body FoiTnstabilität. A second component may be a soft component which provides the body with additional functions such as cleaning functions or grip functions. Thus, the basic body may contain a thumb grip made of a soft component.

Furthermore, the base body may include a third component and optionally further components. Each of these components may each be a hard component or a soft component.

The manual toothbrush is in particular a non-electric powered toothbrush. This means that the brush head is not powered by a motor. The brush body or parts movably mounted on the head part or parts thereof are rather moved by the manual cleaning movement relative to the head part. The manual toothbrush may be a disposable or reusable toothbrush.

The cleaning bristles on the brush head form one or more bristle fields. The bristle or the fields are formed in particular by cleaning bristles on the brush bodies.

It can also be provided that, in addition to the at least one brush body, cleaning bristles are also arranged on the head part. The cleaning bristles can in particular be fastened directly on the head part or base part. These cleaning bristles are therefore in particular not displaceable relative to the head part. In particular, these cleaning bristles can form part of the bristle field. The cleaning bristles can z. B. viewed in the longitudinal direction laterally, be arranged in front of or behind a brush body or between two brush bodies on the head part. Incidentally, the same applies to the further functional elements described below.

The cleaning bristles may be cylindrical. The cross-section of the cleaning bristles is in particular constant over the entire length of the bristle. In particular, the cross section may be round, that is the bristles form a straight cylinder.

The ends of the cylindrical cleaning bristles may be rounded and z. B. have a hemispherical or hemispherical finish.

Furthermore, the cleaning bristles can also be pointed. Tapered cleaning bristles also have in particular a round cross section.

Double-sided sharpened cleaning bristles have a decreasing from a central region of the cleaning bristle ago cross-section. This means that the ends of the cleaning bristles are tapered.

Unilaterally sharpened cleaning bristles, in contrast, have a side with a constant cylindrical cross section leading into a hemispherical or hemispherical end and a side having a pointed end which hotly takes one side of the cleaning bristle from the cross section and leads to a sharpened end.

Cleaning bristles with pointed ends are, in order to minimize wear, in particular attached directly to the main body or at the head part. Alternatively or additionally, cleaning bristles with pointed ends are fastened in particular to the periphery of movable brush bodies. The tips of the pointed cleaning bristles project beyond the other cleaning bristles or functional elements.

A combination of cleaning bristles with round and single or double-sided pointed ends is possible.

The cleaning bristles and other functional elements can be arranged at a right angle to the geometric cleaning plane or to the longitudinal axis. The cleaning bristles and other functional elements can be arranged to achieve special cleaning effect at an angle of less than 90 ° to the geometric cleaning plane or to the longitudinal axis.

Further, the cleaning bristles and other functional elements can also be arranged at an angle to assist the movement of the corresponding brush body and to drive this. For example, the inclination of the bristles in the direction of the axis of motion can be chosen so that the movement is supported.

Cleaning bristles are produced in particular by means of extrusion. Alternatively, cleaning bristles can also be produced by injection molding. The sprayed cleaning bristles can in particular be produced integrally with the main body or the head part in a multi-component injection molding process. The cleaning bristles can also be produced in a separate step. In particular, the cleaning bristles may be injection molded integrally with the bristle carrier of the brush body. The brush body is then mounted on the headboard. The bristle carrier in particular consists of a harder material than the injection-molded cleaning bristles. Brush bodies with injection-molded cleaning bristles are produced, in particular, in the multi-component injection molding process. The cleaning bristles, which are produced by injection molding, may consist of one of the following plastics:

 Polyamide elastomer (for example Grilflex ELG 5930 from Ems-Chemie AG)

 Polyester elastomer (e.g., Riteflex 672 RF Nat or Riteflex RKX 193 RF Nat from Ticona Polymers or Hytrel 7248 from DuPont)

Thermoplastic elastomers based on urethane (for example Desmopan from Bayer MaterialScience or Elastollan from BASF Polyurethanes GmbH

The plastics for injection-molded cleaning bristles have, for example, a Shore D hardness of 0 to 100, preferably 30 to 80. Sprayed cleaning bristles preferably have a stepped and / or conical shape in the longitudinal direction

Conventional extrusion-prepared cleaning bristles, which may be pointed or cylindrical, for example, are preferably made of polyamide (PA) or polyester (PBT).

The attachment of the bristles on Bürstenköiper or at its bristle carrier can be done in various ways. For example, the Anchor Free Tufting (AFT) method can be used. In the Anchor Free Tufting process, the conventional or extruded cylindrical or pointed bristles or bristle bundles are fastened to a carrier body without the aid of an anchor. The carrier body may be a carrier plate.

The carrier body may correspond to the bristle carrier. The carrier body can also be used as a separate component after attaching the bristles in another Mounting step be attached to the bristle carrier of the brush head. Thus, the carrier body can be attached after attachment of the bristles in a recess on the bristle body. This happens for example by ultrasonic welding or other connection methods. The recess is specially adapted to the geometry of the carrier body.

So that the brush body is as easy and easy to move, it can have a cavity between the bristle carrier and the carrier body. Preferably, the bristle carrier has the means which serve for connection to the brush head. The carrier body may alternatively also have means for connection to the brush head.

The rounded cleaning bristles are profiled in bundles and guided with their end opposite the free end through passages in the carrier body, so that an end region of the bristle bundles protrudes beyond the underside of the carrier body. At this over the underside of the carrier body protruding end portion of the bristles they are attached by melting, gluing or welding. The carrier body may have a length of 15 to 35 mm, a width of 6 to 15 mm and a height of 1 to 4 mm.

Furthermore, the bristles can be fixed in the bristle carrier by means of the conventional anchor punching method. For this purpose, the bristle bundles are folded by means of a metal anchor plate and then fixed in the bristle receiving holes. As a result of the folding by means of the armature, the bristle bundle has two halves which each comprise one of the ends of the folded bristles. After attaching the bristles, depending on the type of bristle, the post-processing follows as if profiling and cutting. The bristle carrier with the bristle receiving holes may additionally be provided with soft elastic massage and cleaning elements, which are materially attached to the bristle carrier in the multi-component injection molding process.

The bristle receiving holes may have a diameter of 1.2 to 2.4 mm, in particular of 1.4 to 1.9 mm, and a depth of 2 to 4 mm, in particular from 2.5 to 3.5 mm.

Of course, other Beborstungsverfahren such as IAP (Integrated Anchorless Production) or ΓΜΤ (In Mold Tufting) can be used for inserting the bristles. As described, the bristles can of course also be injection molded directly from a plastic material in the injection mold.

Also usable as a bristle material or as one of the material components are so-called bioplastics. These are plastics made from renewable raw materials.

The brush body may contain other functional elements in addition to the conventional cleaning bristles on the front or on the back of the brush head. The further functional elements may be made of a soft component. The other functional elements may in particular be soft-elastic massage and cleaning elements.

Furthermore, the functional elements can also be designed as a hard component. The other functional elements can also be made of a combination of hard and soft component.

The functional elements can z. B. lamellar, knobbed or "prophy cup" -shaped. The functional elements may also be formed as bristles, in particular injection-molded bristles. The functional elements can furthermore also be a roughness pattern on a surface. B. be designed as a tongue cleaner.

The further functional elements can be integrated in a bristle field. The further functional elements can be arranged on the brush body. The further functional elements can be arranged on the head part.

The further functional elements can be arranged on the front or the back of the head part.

Functional elements can be arranged, in particular, on the side of movable or immovable parts of the brush body facing the rear side of the head part.

So the functional elements z. B. on that, the rear side of the head part facing side of a guide in a guide opening translationally guided guiding element be arranged, as explained below.

Such functional elements can further z. B. on the, the back of the head part facing side of a rotatably mounted in an axle opening axis element, as explained below.

In particular, functional elements can be so flexibly designed that they perform movements in interaction with the brush body or bristle carrier. For example, recesses, etc., may be provided in brush bodies or in bristle carriers, in which soft-elastic cleaning elements are guided. By the movement of the brush body is transmitted to the movement of the soft elastic cleaning elements and they are moved so.

Such functional elements may furthermore be e.g. be arranged on the, the back of the head part facing side of the Umfassungselements on the head part, as explained below.

Above, other functional elements can be arranged not only on the head part but alternatively or additionally also on the neck part or on the handle part of the Grundköipers.

The other functional elements may also be injection molded by injection molding. The further functional elements may in particular be produced integrally with the main body or the bristle carrier. The functional elements can also be manufactured in a separate step and then mounted.

The brush body and its movable arrangement on the head part will be described in more detail below. The outer contour of the head part may in particular be such that the at least one movable brush body protrudes beyond the outer contour of the head part in any movement position. This serves to protect the user from possible injuries or pinching of the oral mucosa, the gums or the tongue.

The brush body can be manufactured as a separate component and mounted on the head part. This can be done for example via a snap-click connection. By "snap-click connection" in this patent application is generally understood a compound in which the elasticity of the plastic materials is used to make the connection to the Fügteile in their connecting position respectively. During the production of the compound deforms one or both parts elastically. When assuming the connection position, the part or parts deformed at least partially back to their original shape, so that the connection can not be solved or only after destruction or only with greater expenditure of force. The clicking in particular a snap, z. B. in a leadership, be. The snap-click connection can in particular be a positive connection.

The brush body can also be used together with the head part, z. B. by injection molding, be made integral. The brush body can be connected in this case, as explained below, for example via film hinges with the headboard.

The brush body or the associated bristle carrier can also be provided with a topography. This means, for example, that the surface of the bristle carrier is curved or stepped. The bristle holes or the bristle attachment plane is thus not necessarily flat. Examples of possible surface topographies are:

 Bristle carrier becomes higher from the edge (i.e., the middle region is higher, e.g., convex);

Bristle carrier becomes deeper from the edge (i.e., the middle region is deeper, e.g., concave shape);

 - Bristle carrier has an increasing height profile from one outside to the other outside (i.e., the bristle attachment plane is a desk-shaped) The profiling of the brush body or the bristle carrier may also have a regular design in addition to an irregular design. Examples:

- Bristle carrier of the first movement variant (rotation) described below is designed rotationally symmetrical; - Borstenträger the second or fourth movement variant described below (translation, rocker) is mirror-symmetric along the longitudinal axis or along an axis of symmetry transverse to the longitudinal axis or is designed point-symmetrical

Furthermore, the bristle carrier or else the bristle holes can have an inclination relative to the axis of rotation or generally the axis of movement.

In addition to the at least one brush body arranged movably on the head part relative to the head part, the brush head can also contain one or more brush bodies, which are mounted immovably on the head part or form an integral part of the head part.

The movement of the movable brush body of the type described below can be triggered by a compressive force perpendicular to the geometric cleaning plane or to the longitudinal axis, as z. B. is built up when pressing the brush head to the teeth. The movement of the brush bodies may alternatively or additionally also be triggered by a force acting longitudinally to the longitudinal axis, as is produced, for example, by the reciprocation of the toothbrush during tooth cleaning.

The at least one movable brush body is in particular influenced solely by the cleaning of the teeth during its movement. In particular, the brush bodies are not actively driven by a drive mechanism on the toothbrush.

If at least two movable brush bodies are provided, they can be moved independently of one another. That is, the at least two brush body do not affect each other in their movement. The at least two movable brush bodies can also be coupled to one another via coupling means, in particular via a coupling mechanism, such that a movement of the one brush body via the coupling means influences the movement of the other brush body. The term coupling should therefore be understood to mean that at least one first brush body influences the movement of a second brush body via the coupling means. The coupling is in particular a mechanical coupling.

Thus, the movement of a brush body via the coupling medium trigger a movement in the other brush body.

It can also be provided that the movement of the one brush body via the coupling means amplifies a movement in the other brush body. Furthermore, the movement of the one brush body via the coupling means can also inhibit or weaken a movement in the other brush body.

The two brush bodies can also influence each other in their movement and inhibit or weaken them respectively in the other brush body or trigger or amplify.

The coupling means or the coupling mechanism comprise, for example, coupling elements. The coupling elements may be made of a hard or soft component. The coupling elements can, for. B. be separate components, which e.g. are connected to at least one of the brush body. The coupling elements can, for. B. with at least one of the brush body detachable or mounted once and then be connected inextricably. The coupling elements can also be an integral part of at least one of the two brush bodies.

The coupling agents may, for. B. contain a coupling element in the form of a guide arm or guide pin or guide lug. Such a coupling element ment is in particular connected at least with a translationally movable brush body.

The coupling elements can be pivotally mounted via an articulated connection.

The two brush bodies can be connected to one another via the coupling means. The coupling means may also be connected to no or only one of the two Bürstenköiper. The connection can be fixed or permanent or detachable. Thus, the connection can be a positive connection, such as latching connection.

A coupling element may, for. B. be connected to one of the two brush body and also have a contact portion, via which the coupling element with the other brush body produces a permanent or depending on the course of movement of the one or both brush bodies temporary contact. About the permanent or temporary contact, the movement of the one brush body or both brush body is influenced.

It can be provided that a first brush body is rotatable and a second brush body is mounted translationally displaceable on the head part.

According to a first embodiment, the two brush bodies are connected to one another via a coupling element. The connection is such that the translationally displaceable brush body displaces the other brush body via the coupling element in an alternating rotational movement. However, the rotational movement is within a certain angle of rotation, in particular less than 180 °. The coupling element thus performs the function of a driving and pulling element. According to a further embodiment, a coupling element is arranged on the translationally displaceable brush body. The coupling element forms a contact portion to the rotatable Bürstenköiper out. Thus, the rotatable brush body z. B. have a gear-shaped peripheral structure, in which the coupling element engages with its contact portion temporarily.

The two Bürstenköiper cooperate such that the translational reciprocating second brush body causes the first brush body via the coupling element in a rotational movement. During rotation, the contact portion of the coupling element jumps into the next recess of the gear structure.

The coupling element, in particular its contact section, can also have a sawtooth structure, such as a toothed rack. The sawtooth structure is in particular connected to the translationally displaceable Bürstenköiper.

The coupling element can engage with the sawtooth structure in a gear structure or a gear-shaped circumferential structure on the rotatable brush body. By translational movement of the coupling element of the rotatable brush body is placed over the toothed engagement in an alternating rotational movement.

A contact element of the coupling mechanism can also be designed as a guide arm, which connects the two Bürstenköiper each other and so translates a transla- latorische movement on the second translationally movable brush body in a rotational movement on the first rotatable brush body. The guide arm is hereby mounted outside the axis of rotation on the rotatable Bürstenköiper.

The first Bürstenköiper can be rotatably mounted only in one direction (freewheel). It can also be provided that the first brush body with a latching cooperates mechanism which causes the coupling element, the brush body can continue to rotate only by individual locking positions.

The coupling element may be part of a brush body or bristle carrier and, for example, consist of the same component as hard component. The coupling of an element of the brush body with a rotating movement with a member of the brush body with a translational movement can be carried out in this way. The translationally movable brush body may be equipped with a coupling element in the form of a projecting nose. The rotating brush body can form a contact surface which serves as a stop for the coupling element. By pressing the coupling element and weitererbewegen desselbigen the rotating brush body is rotated. The rotating brush body can be in operative connection for the return with a soft elastic spring element. The spring element is fastened, for example, on the head part. The rotating brush body is pushed back by the spring element into the starting position as soon as the force exerted by the coupling element decreases. The coupling element can be designed in various ways. Thus, the coupling element, for example, serpentine, meandering or shaped in the manner of a helical or spiral spring. The coupling element can thus also have the function of a restoring element. The coupling elements may further contain functional elements of the type described above.

The coupling element can in particular also be fastened to the head part with a fixed pivot point.

According to a further embodiment, the two brush bodies are bordered together via a bordering element. The brush bodies are each at least Partially with the enclosure element in contact. The contact may in particular be a positive connection or material connection.

Now acts the one brush body by its movement, z. B. by a lateral deflection or by the entrainment of the skirting element on the contact portion due to rotation, on the skirting element, so the skirting element is elastically deformed, in particular stretched. Due to the elastic deformation of the surround element, a movement is triggered or influenced in the other brush body.

The edging element can be made rubber-elastic and trigger or influence a movement in the other brush body by means of an elastic expansion, which is triggered by the one moving brush body. The edging element may be a rubber-elastic band or a rubber elastic Umfassungsreif. The edging element is arranged in particular on the brush bodies.

At the enclosure element, z. B. on the front, back and / or to the side, functional elements, such as knobs, Prophy Cups, fins or even bristles, can be arranged. The functional elements can be used for cleaning and / or massage and in particular as a tongue cleaner.

The edging element can have an octagonal or any closed contour in plan view. The cross section of the enclosure element may vary over its height.

The dimension of the enclosure element is designed so that the part of the enclosure element, which bears directly on the bristle carrier of the Bürstenköipers, is at most the same height as the bristle carrier of the brush body. The enclosure member may have a height of z. B. 1 mm to 5 mm. At least one functional element can be arranged on the surround element. The at least one functional element can, for. B. protrude beyond the bristle carrier on the front of the head part.

Another embodiment for a coupled movement between two brush bodies includes a horseshoe-shaped brush body. Horseshoe-shaped should also include in particular U-, V- and C-shaped. The horseshoe-shaped brush body comprises two lateral legs which enclose a receiving space which is open towards one side. Another brush body is guided translationally displaceable on the head part along the longitudinal axis. This further brush body is displaceable in the receiving space of the horseshoe-shaped brush body. As a result, the elastically formed legs are pushed aside due to an expanding force by the brush body moving into the receiving space. When the brush body is moved out of the receiving space, the legs resume their starting position due to a restoring force.

It is possible that the restoring force is so great that the Bürstenköiper is directed back by the retraction of the legs to its original position.

The translationally displaceable Bürstenköiper can be displaced via a slide guide, in particular of the type described below.

Various movement variants for the brush head are described in detail below.

At the head part and at least one brush body movement, ie fixed fixed. Brush bodies, which are mounted motion-resistant on the head part, are not named as actual movement variant, since they perform no movement when the forces of tooth cleaning act on them. Nevertheless, these are Combination brush body in combination with brush bodies of various motion variants.

The brush bodies, which are mounted immovably on the head part, are designed in particular so as to comprise cleaning bristles. These can be of different design. This means that, for example, both cylindrical and pointed bristles can be combined. Furthermore, it is also possible that other types of bristles are combined. Furthermore, functional elements, such as soft-elastic lamellas, etc., can also be arranged on the brush bodies mentioned. The cleaning bristles may be attached to the associated bristle carrier in the various methods described above.

The Bürstenköiper according to a first movement variant is rotatably mounted on the head part about a geometric axis of rotation or rotatable. The angle of rotation can be 360 ° (degrees), so that the brush body is completely rotatable. The angle of rotation may also be less than 360 °, so that the brush body is rotatable only in a defined angle of rotation. The limitation of the angle of rotation can be done via a stop or via appropriately shaped damping elements. The damping elements can act resiliently, so that the Bürstenköiper is at least partially turned back over a return action of the damping element.

The brush body may be rotatably supported in both directions or only in one direction. The rotation in only one direction can be achieved via a freewheel.

The axis of rotation is aligned in particular perpendicular to the geometric cleaning plane. The axis of rotation is arranged in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The axis of rotation can also be arranged at an angle to the longitudinal axis or geometric cleaning plane. The axis of rotation is in particular stationary relative to the head part. Alternatively, the axis of rotation may be combined with a translation of the brush body in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush or perpendicular thereto, and so also be displaceable in the translation direction.

The rotatable brush body may be arranged in particular at the free end portion of the head part.

The brush body and in particular the bristle field can be round, in particular circular or oval. The brush body may also have a gear-shaped outer contour.

Furthermore, the brush body can also be kidney-shaped or in another form, such as a polygonal shape, with a closed contour. The brush body may in particular have contour elements, such as gear teeth, lateral grooves or projecting elements. The contour elements can serve as a positioning aid of the brush body during its production. Furthermore, the contour elements can also serve the user to move the brush body by hand, for. B. for testing the function, for deblocking the brush body in case of contamination or for cleaning.

Furthermore, contour elements can also be used in all other brush bodies described in this document with other patterns of movement, such as, for example, Translation, etc., are used. Preferably, contour elements are arranged in the user-accessible periphery of the brush body.

The brush body can contain an axle element which is rotatably mounted in the head part in an axle receptacle, also called an axle opening. In the reverse arrangement, the head part may also contain the axle element, which is mounted in an axle receptacle in the brush body. The brush body is rotatably mounted on the axle via the axle. The axle can be inserted via a snap-click connection in the axle and thus secured axially.

The axle can be round, in particular circular. The axle mount can receive the axle element in a form-fitting manner. The axle can be shaped geometrically opposite to the axle. The axle has z. B. a diameter of 3 mm to 9 mm.

To improve the assembly of the snap-click connection slits, recesses and / or thinner wall thicknesses in the area of the axle and / or in the area of the axle element can be realized.

To the axle receiving an annular recess may be arranged, which is separated by an annular wall of the axle. The annular wall has in particular a relatively small wall thickness of z. B. 1 mm to 3 mm. The annular wall has resilient properties due to the thinness. The annular wall may also include radial slots or slot-shaped recesses. The axle receptacle can also have radial slots or slot-shaped recesses independently of the presence of such an annular recess in its wall region. So z. B. 3 to 8 such slots or slot-shaped recesses may be provided which also allow a certain yielding.

The axle element may include a recess in the center at its free end. The axle can thus form an annular wall in its free end portion. This can be a spring effect or a compliance in the Bring assembly. The shape of the recess can be virtually arbitrary. The recess may be round or circular or polygonal in cross section or a combination thereof. The recess has a depth which corresponds at most to the length of the shaft element, that is, the recess extends at most to the bristle carrier. The wall thickness towards the outside is in particular 1 mm to 3 mm. The thus formed annular wall may also include radial slots or slot-shaped recesses.

The recess in the axle element further offers the possibility that locking elements can be anchored therein, as will be described below.

The elements for the axle as well as the axle can of course be combined.

The axle can be a through opening. The axle element can exit the axle mount on the rear. It can also be provided that the axle receptacle on the rear side is closed by a closure element. The closure element can be inserted via a form-locking connection, such as snap-click connection, as a mounting part. The closure element can also be molded by injection molding. The closure element may be formed from a hard or soft component.

The closure element may be connected to the axle, and z. B. engage with a connecting element in a recess in the axle. The closure element can also be connected to the head part with the axle receptacle.

The closure element may be equipped on its outwardly facing surface with other functional elements, such as a tongue cleaner. The axle can also be designed as a depression, such as a blind hole.

Slots may be arranged concentrically or radially about the axle receptacle, which improve the elastic extensibility of the diameter of the axle receptacle for producing a snap-click connection.

The axle can be designed as a pin, in particular as a circular cylindrical pin. The axle element and / or the axle receptacle can also have a different geometric shape than circular in cross-section. The axle element and / or the axle receptacle can have a surface structure. The surface structure may be designed so that with the movement of the brush body impurities are displaced from the axle. Thus, a self-cleaning effect can be achieved.

In general, means serving for fastening brush bodies can be provided with surface structures which develop a self-cleaning action for the guide.

The axle element can form a variable diameter in the axial longitudinal direction. The axle element can have a thickening, in particular at the free end. The shaft element or the pin can have a diameter of 2.5 mm to 8.5 mm at the narrowest point and a maximum diameter of 3 mm to 9 mm at the widest point. The length of the shaft element is from the exit point of the bristle carrier to the free end in particular 1 mm to 4 mm.

The axle can, as mentioned, be passed through a passage opening at the head part. At the free end of the axle element, which is arranged on the back of the head part, functional elements, such as knobs, Prophy Cups, Slats or even cleaning bristles, be arranged. The functional elements can be used for cleaning and / or massage and in particular as a tongue cleaner. The functional elements are moved by this arrangement parallel by the cleaning movement and simultaneously with the brush body

According to a particular embodiment, the axle receptacle is designed as a longitudinal or slot opening. The longitudinal or slot opening may be a groove or through hole. This allows a combined movement of a rotation of the brush body about the axis of rotation and a translational displacement of the brush body along the slot opening.

The brush body can also form a type of rotary ring, which is rotatably mounted on an axle or in an annular opening on the head part. A reverse arrangement is also possible. The rotary ring can be attached via a snap-click connection on the axle or in the ring opening rotatably, but secured axially. In contrast to the embodiment described above, the rotary ring rotates about the axle or around the ring opening. The axle or the ring opening may be rotatably formed on the head part. The axle can be designed as a pin, in particular as a ki-eiszylinderförmiger pin. The rotary ring can be completely embedded in a particular annular recess in the bristle carrier.

According to a particular embodiment, the brush body is designed as a rotary ring which is rotatably mounted in an annular recess on the head part. The turning ring is immediately bristle carrier for the cleaning bristles. Conversely, it can also be provided that the brush body includes an annular recess into which a guide ring engages the head part, wherein the brush body is rotatably mounted on the guide ring. The guide ring can, for. B. be an annular projection on the headboard.

Within the guide ring there is the possibility of attaching further cleaning elements. These can be mounted, for example, fixed. In addition, it is also possible to attach further moving elements within the guide ring, for example, further moving elements of the first movement variant.

According to a development of the invention, the brush body in plan view may be round, in particular circular, and rotatably inserted in a, in particular opposite, recess in the head part. The recess may in particular be round, such as circular. The brush body is formed according to this embodiment as a kind of turntable.

The geometric axis of rotation or the axle element can be centered or eccentric with respect to the rotatable brush body. In the latter case, the brush body pivots laterally.

Means may be provided which cause an up and down movement of the brush body during the rotation of the brush body along the axis of rotation. This movement may be resilient. The funds can z. B. wavy configured interface levels between the head part and brush body, which touch each other. The up and down movement can be 0.5 to 3 mm. The interface plane can also be designed flat. The width of the interface plane, which corresponds to the contact surface, is 1 mm to 3 mm. Axle and axle can also have a screw thread arrangement, which causes the brush body rotates relative to the head part via a screwing movement and at the same time is moved axially. The screwing movement can be triggered for example by an axial pressure on the brush body. A return element can return the brush body by means of a screwing movement into a starting position.

The contacting surfaces of the axle and the axle can be made of a hard component. One or both of the contacting surfaces of the axle and the axle can also be wholly or partly made of a soft component. This can lead to a damping or inhibition of the rotational movement or act springy.

The bristle carrier of this movement variant can be configured differently. This means that the bristle carrier can be one or more parts. The parts can be connected to each other, for. B. via a soft component. Furthermore, it is possible to connect parts of the bristle carrier via film hinges or other connection variants. The multipartite allows z. B. a flexibility of the bristle carrier, for example in the outer regions. Thus, the bristle carrier can tip over with external parts if it is loaded too heavily.

The brush body according to a second movement variant is guided translationally movable on the head part. The translational movement is in particular a reciprocating motion.

The translational movement may be a movement parallel to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush. The translational movement may be a lateral movement transverse to the longitudinal axis. The translational movement may be a movement upwards away from the head part in the direction of the teeth to be cleaned transversely to the longitudinal axis. Any combinations of these three directions of movement are possible. The carriage guide is designed accordingly.

The translational movement can therefore also run at an angle to the longitudinal axis.

The translatory movement can be parallel to the geometric cleaning plane. However, the translational movement may also be at an angle to the geometric cleaning plane.

According to a particular embodiment, the brush body moves through a translational movement to the teeth to be cleaned now and then away from them. This can for example be done in the manner of a wave-like movement, wherein the movement can also pass through several wave crests and troughs. The size of the translational movement component from the head part to the teeth can be 0.5 to 5 mm.

The translational longitudinal movement is particularly straight. Accordingly, a guide opening or a longitudinal guide body of a slide guide as described below also formed in a straight line.

However, the translational longitudinal movement can also be curved. Correspondingly, a guide opening or a longitudinal guide body is also curved, in particular wave-shaped, such as S-shaped.

The translationally movable brush body can be guided in a sliding guide, in particular a slide guide. A translational movement along the longitudinal axis can be 2 to 12 mm, in particular 2 to 5 mm. A lateral translational movement transversely to the longitudinal axis can be 2 to 10 mm. The slide guide may according to a first embodiment include a formed by the head part longitudinal guide body. This serves as a kind of slide rail. The brush body is slidably guided on the Längsführungsköiper. For this purpose, the brush body contains at least one guide element, which also surrounds the longitudinal guide body, at least partially encompassing, also called surrounding element.

The brush body can contain the longitudinal guide body on both sides encompassing guide elements. The width of a single guide element, measured parallel to the Längsführungsköiper, 8 to 15 mm.

The brush body can each per encompassing side one or a plurality of spaced-apart, and along the longitudinal guide body successively arranged guide elements, such as guide arms or guide fingers included. In particular, 1 to 5 guide elements can be provided per side. With several guide elements per side, they can have a width of 1.5 to 3 mm, measured parallel to the longitudinal guide tube.

The enclosing elements may be made of a hard and / or soft component. In the latter case, the enclosing elements are flexible, in particular elastic. However, the enclosing elements may in particular be designed as a hard component, wherein the flexibility is achieved via the geometric configuration or material thickness of the elements. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide soft-elastic zones which provide flexibility. Functional elements, knobs, prophy cups, lamellae or even cleaning bristles can be arranged on the surrounding elements to the side and / or on the back. The functional elements can be used for cleaning and / or massage and in particular as a tongue cleaner. Of course, such functional elements can be configured directed in the bristle field to the front. The maximum movement of the brushes is defined by the geometries on and around the longitudinal guide body and by the geometry of the brush body. The longitudinal guide body contains viewed in the longitudinal axis direction, in particular at the front and at the rear end stop elements. These can for example be formed directly on the headboard. Further, these may also be formed as a brush body. For example, the second brush body may strike the first brush body.

The longitudinal guide body is preferably designed so that the movement of the brush body is guided over the entire deflection. In this case, for example, a central rib between the Umfassungsarmen be provided which prevents rotation of the brush body about the longitudinal axis.

Viewed in cross section, the longitudinal guide body has a closed contour. This can be, for example, round or polygonal. The contour may in particular be T-shaped.

The slide guide may comprise a guide opening formed by the head part according to a second embodiment. The brush body contains at least one guide element, which engages in the guide opening and is slidably guided therein. The brush body can now be slidably guided over the at least one guide element along the guide opening. A reverse arrangement of guide opening and guide element is also possible. The guide element and / or guide opening can, as already described above, have a surface structure for self-cleaning of the guide.

The guide opening may have a length of 5 to 20 mm, in particular 8 to 15 mm. The width of the guide opening can be 1 to 5 mm. The guide element has in particular a length of 3 mm to 15 mm. The further masses are in particular identical to those of the axle journal described above. The guide opening may be a longitudinal groove or a continuous opening slot in the head part.

The at least one guide element is in particular secured against falling out of the guide opening. This can be done via a positive guide. The at least one guide element can, for. B. be slidably inserted into the guide opening along the guide opening via a snap-click connection. In this case, the brush body is clamped in particular between the underside of the bristle carrier and a protruding part on the guide element. The execution of the clamping is performed with respect to gap masses, tolerances, etc. analogous to the first movement variant.

The guide element may include a recess in the center. This results in a spring effect during assembly. The cross-sectional shape of the recess is arbitrary and may be slot-shaped, round, oval, polygonal or a combination thereof. However, the cross-sectional shape of the recess is in particular closed. The recess in particular has a depth which corresponds at most to the height of the guide element. That is, the recess extends at most to the bristle carrier. The wall thickness of the guide element with recess is in particular 1 mm to 3 mm. The recess further offers the possibility that locking elements can be anchored therein, as described below.

If the brush body is combined according to the second movement variant on the brush head with an adjacently arranged, further brush body according to a first or third movement variant, then the guide opening of the carriage lead in the axle or the joint recording. The axle receptacle or the joint receptacle is in particular wider than the guide opening.

The guide element can now be inserted laterally into the guide opening via the wider axle receptacle or the joint receptacle. By inserting the axle element or the joint head into the axle receptacle or the joint receptacle, the insertion opening is blocked and the guide element is secured against sliding out of the guide opening. It can also be provided that the guide element is formed at least in two parts. A first part is connected to the brush body and is inserted from the front into the continuous guide opening. A second part is inserted from the back in the guide opening and connected to the first part, z. B. via a snap-click connection or via an adhesive connection, such as welded connection. The composite guide element is now secured due to a special geometric design of the two parts against falling out of the guide opening.

In the vicinity of the guide opening recesses such as expansion slots may be introduced into the head part. The recesses should increase the elastic extensibility of the guide opening for producing a snap-click connection with the guide element.

The width of the guide groove can increase toward the groove bottom. The guide groove may be formed in cross-section, in particular dovetail-shaped.

The at least one guide element may be a guide pin or guide cam or a guide strip which engages in the guide opening. The guide element may be elongated or round, in particular circular be. Since the guide element is slidably guided in the guide opening, this can also be referred to as a sliding element or sliding peg or sliding cams.

If the guide element is guided through an opening slot on the head part, functional elements such as knobs, prophy cups, lamellae or even cleaning bristles can be arranged on the back of the head part at the free end of the guide element. The functional elements can be used for cleaning and / or massage and in particular as a tongue cleaner. It can also be provided that the opening slot is closed on the back via a closure element. The closure element can be inserted via a positive connection, such as snap-click connection, as a mounting part. The closure element can also be injection molded onto the head part in an injection molding process. The closure element may be made of a hard or soft component.

The closure element may be connected to the guide element, and z. B. engage with a connecting element in a recess in the guide element. The closure element can also be connected to the head part with the slot opening.

The closure element may be equipped on its outwardly facing surface with other functional elements, such as a tongue cleaner. According to a particular development, the guide opening can be in one direction or locally extended, so that the guide element is rotatable in the extended region of the guide opening and so can perform a combined movement of trans-shear movement and rotation. Thus, the guide opening can be extended, in particular in an end region, so that, for example, a translationally moving brush body in this area additionally or exclusively rotate.

The trained as a slide bristle carrier can basically be one or more parts. The parts can be connected to each other, for. B. via a soft component. Further, it is possible parts of the carriage via a movable and / or flexible element of a hard component, for. B. film hinge, spring element or other means to connect together. In this way, on the one hand a flexibility of the carriage can be achieved by z. B. lateral parts of the bristle carrier are flexibly attached. A corresponding geometry of the head part can naturally have a supportive or non-inhibiting effect.

In a similar manner formed bristle carrier, each with one or more guide pins and corresponding guide openings in the head part can provide a further form of movement. If the guide openings for the flexible parts of the guide carriage in the head part have a shape matched to the remaining or further guide openings and guide pins with bristle carriers, a laterally pivoting movement can also be achieved for the flexible elements by the translation. The elements rotate accordingly laterally as the carriage moves forward.

An embodiment of flexibility or alternative forms of motion can also be formed in the front and / or rear of the carriage when viewed in the longitudinal direction. The flexible portion may be formed parallel or at an angle to the longitudinal axis.

Further, the translational movement of the brush head may be constructed so that the longitudinal axis of the bristle carrier or carriage is not parallel to the direction of movement that is to the direction of the guide slot. A further refinement variant for the brush body is that the brush body consists of a translatory carriage with a bristle carrier arranged flexibly thereon. The brush body can thus be moved forwards and backwards while flexibly deflecting.

It can be arranged one behind the other and / or side by side on the head part a plurality of slide guides with brush bodies.

The brush body according to a third movement variant is connected via a hinge connection with the head part and arranged pivotable about a pivot point relative to the head part in several directions, in particular in three axial directions. However, the deflection is limited in particular to a pivot angle of a maximum of 180 °, in particular of a maximum of 90 °. The brush body can in particular exert a cone rotation about the fulcrum.

The articulation may be a ball and socket joint. The ball joint in particular comprises a joint head and a joint receptacle. The joint receptacle can be designed as a joint socket. The condyle can be formed by the bristle carrier and the hinge receptacle by the head part or vice versa.

The joint receptacle, also called joint opening, may be formed as a recess. The joint receptacle can also be designed as a continuous opening in the head part. The joint receptacle can be round, in particular circular. The pivot point can be arranged towards the head part or towards the bristle carrier. The fulcrum may be arranged in the bristle carrier, in the head part or in a connecting portion between the bristle carrier and the head part. It can also be provided that a hinge connection of the type described above is provided both on the head part and on the bristle carrier, which are connected to one another via a connecting section or axle section. The condyle can be inserted via a snap-click connection in the joint seat and connected to this, ie be secured against jumping out of the joint seat.

The contacting surfaces of the condyle and the socket can be made of a hard component. One or both of the contacting surfaces of the condyle and the hinge receptacle may be made of a soft component. This can lead to a damping or inhibition of the rotational movement.

The condyle and / or the joint receptacle may have a surface structure.

The brush body according to a fourth movement variant is formed via a hinged connection with the head part as a rocker. Articulated connection means in this description that the two components are pivotable about a geometric axis of rotation or about a geometric pivot point. The brush body is formed in particular about a geometric axis of rotation or about a geometric pivot point rocking relative to the head part. The geometric axis of rotation is arranged in particular parallel to the geometric cleaning plane. The geometric axis of rotation can be arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis. The geometric axis of rotation can be arranged at an angle to the longitudinal axis. The geometric axis of rotation can in particular also be arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The geometric axis of rotation is arranged in particular on or in the head part or brush body. The rocker may be formed by a hinge connection. The articulated connection can be a rocker axis guided in a longitudinal groove. The longitudinal groove may be arranged on or in the head part and the rocker axis on the brush body or vice versa.

According to a particular embodiment of a rocker, the geometric axis of rotation of the rocker between the head part and the brush body is arranged. The hinge elements of the joint connection, such as. B. rocker axis and longitudinal groove are rigidly connected via connecting elements with the head part and the brush body. One of the connecting elements can form a rotary connection with the head part or brush body. Thus, this connecting element can form an axle element, which is held rotatably in an axle receptacle on the head part or brush body. Such a rotary joint has already been described above. The position of the axis of rotation is in particular at a distance both to the head part and to the brush body. According to a further embodiment, the axis of rotation is arranged at the level of the brush body.

The bristle carrier formed as a rocker and the main body with the head part can be produced as separate components in various production steps, such as injection molding. The bristle carrier and the base body with the head part can also be produced in a common injection molding process. In the latter case, the rocker axis and the longitudinal groove in particular consist of non-connecting materials.

The rocker axis can be introduced via a snap-click connection in the longitudinal groove or inserted laterally into the longitudinal groove. The longitudinal groove and the rocker axis can have a round partial contour in cross section. Securing the rocker axis against slipping in the longitudinal groove can be on different Way done, for example, by overspraying, clamping elements, or snap-click mechanisms.

To prevent injuries, lateral openings of the rocker can be covered. The rocker axis or the complete rocking part can also be sunk in the headboard.

An articulated connection can also be made via a film hinge. This is characterized by a thin-walled connection, which allows a pivoting movement. According to this embodiment, bristle carrier and head part can be formed in one piece.

The deflection of the rocking movement can be 2 to 5 mm. The deflection is defined as the distance between the underside of the rocking element and the top of the head part in the starting position (i.e., at rest).

The geometric axis of rotation can be arranged centrally. The rocking motion in this case is symmetrical with equal deflection on both sides. The geometric axis of rotation can also be arranged eccentrically. The rocking motion in this case is asymmetric with a different strong deflection on the respective sides.

The embodiment according to the fourth movement variant may comprise a return member which returns the brush body formed as a rocker in an initial position. The home position may be a neutral position between two deflection positions. The return member may be secured with a first portion on the brush body and with a second portion on the head part. The return member may also be connected only at one portion with brush body or head part and have a free portion which only touches the other part. Possible embodiments of restoring organs are described below. The reset property can be achieved in particular due to the material properties or the geometric properties.

It can also be formed a closure element, which in particular also acts as a return member at the same time. The closure element is designed such that it closes the free spaces between the brush body and the head part laterally. The closure element is in particular formed from a soft component.

The brush body according to a fifth movement variant is connected via articulated joints, which each form a geometric axis of rotation or a geometric pivot point, connected to the head part and pivotable parallelogram direction headboard. The bristle carrier of the brush body may in particular be connected to the head part via one or more lifting elements. The one or more arranged between the headboard and bristle carrier lifting elements are each connected at one end, in particular articulated, with the head part and with the other end, in particular articulated, with the back of the bristle carrier. The possibility of movement results from the geometric design. Thus, 2 to 8 lifting elements can be provided with corresponding articulated connections. The lifting elements are lowered during pivoting of the brush body in the direction of the head part and erected when swinging the brush body again. The starting position is the swung-out position, which is exited by pressure on the brush body. The bristle carrier, the lifting elements and the head part or the base body can be produced in an injection molding process, in particular in a common injection molding step. The compounds are in particular film hinges. According to this embodiment, bristle carrier, lifting elements and head part can be formed in one piece. Thus, the parallelogram-like displacement of the brush body according to a first component of movement to the head part can be 2 to 5 mm. The displacement of the brush body according to a second component of movement parallel to the longitudinal axis may be 2 to 5 mm.

According to a further movement variant, a combined movement of a bristle carrier can be achieved via lifting elements. The lifting elements may in particular be spring elements, which are characterized in that a brush body fastened to one or more lifting elements carries out a combined movement with a first movement towards or away from the head part and at the same time a second rotational movement. The spring elements can be designed so that they are simultaneously screwed in or lowered during lowering or lifting. The spring elements may have a helical structure and z. B. coil springs.

The bristle carrier of the brush body can in particular be connected to the head part via three or more lifting elements. The one or more arranged between the head and bristle carrier lifting elements are each connected at one end to the head part and at the other end to the back of the bristle carrier. The possibility of movement results from the geometric design. Thus, 3 to 8 lifting elements can be provided with appropriate connections.

The lifting elements are lowered during insertion of the brush body in the direction of the head part and erected when turning the brush body again. The bristle carrier makes a rotation-like movement, during which it simultaneously lowers. The starting position is the rotated position, which is left by pressure on the brush body.

The bristle carrier, the lifting elements and the head part or the base body can in an injection molding, in particular in a common injection molding getting produced. The compounds are in particular film hinges. According to this embodiment, bristle carrier, lifting elements and head part can be formed in one piece. The lifting elements may be arranged on the bristle carrier on the side opposite the bristle field in the center and / or on the outer edge. The attachment on the outer edge brings more stability and a linear movement while the attachment in the center depending on the load can also cause a sway of the bristle carrier.

Thus, the displacement of the brush body according to this movement in the direction of the head part also be 2 to 5 mm.

In all movement variants with lifting elements, the lifting elements can be made of a hard and / or soft component. In addition, restoring members can be provided for optimal recovery. The restoring members may be made of a hard and / or soft component, for example, and obtain their reset function on the basis of the material or the geometric design. It can be provided one or more return organs.

According to a sixth movement variant, the translational movement is combined with one rotation. Thus, the Bürstenköiper along a slide guide translationally displaceable. In addition, the brush body is moved over a curved surface on the head part and so also rotatively moved about a geometric axis of rotation. However, the geometric axis of rotation is spaced from the brush body.

The curved surface may be convex, z. B. in the form of a curvature, or concave, z. B. in the form of a depression. The surface is in particular curved in cross section. The surface may alternatively or additionally also be curved in longitudinal section. The constructive principle of the carriage guide may correspond to the carriage guide according to the second movement variant, as already described above. The translatory movement itself and, correspondingly, the carriage guidance can be rectilinear or curved, as already described above.

According to a particular embodiment, the head part, viewed transversely to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush, has a curvature. The opposite of the bristle field back of the bristle carrier of the brush body is formed concave opposite.

By means of a slide guide, the brush body according to a first development can execute a lateral pivoting movement directed transversely to the longitudinal axis over the curvature. According to a second development, the guide means can also be designed so that a purely translational displacement takes place along the longitudinal axis. According to a third development, the guide means can also be designed so that a combined movement takes place with a lateral swiveling out and a displacement along the longitudinal axis.

The carriage guide may comprise a guide opening, such as a guide slot, disposed in the curved surface. In the guide opening engages a guide element, in particular a guide pin, of the brush body and is slidably guided in this.

According to the first development, the guide opening extends transversely to the longitudinal axis over the curvature. According to the second development, the guide opening runs along the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush. According to the third development, the guide opening runs obliquely to the longitudinal axis over the curvature.

The opening direction of the guide opening may be adjusted and does not have to move in one plane. The opening direction can also be a three-dimensional Follow the contour. For example, it may also change in inclination over its course.

As already described above for individual embodiments, certain types of movement in a single brush body can also be combined. In principle, all types of movement described above can be combined with each other. The possible combinations form an integral part of this invention. Below are some examples. Thus, a trained as a rocker brush body can also be interpreted translationally displaced. A trained as a rocker brush body can also be designed to rotate about a rotation axis as already described. A translationally displaceable brush body may additionally be designed to rotate. A rotating brush body can be designed to rotate twice over a further rotary joint.

In these variants, it is provided in each case that the connecting elements are mounted movably relative to the head part. For example, the rocking mechanism includes a guide pin, by means of which this is fixed in the head part, and via which a rotational movement as a combination is possible.

A selection of possible combinations of brush bodies movably mounted on the head part is disclosed below. Several brush bodies can be arranged one behind the other along the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush, hereinafter referred to simply as "arranged one behind the other". Several brush body can be arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush next to each other, hereinafter referred to simply as "arranged side by side". A brush body may be arranged at the free end portion of the head part, hereinafter referred to simplifying "front arranged". A brush body may be arranged towards the handle part, hereinafter referred to simply as "rear-mounted". A brush body may also be arranged between a front and a rear brush body, hereinafter referred to simply as "arranged therebetween".

It is understood that the previously described movement variants and properties of the brush body also apply to the following combination options.

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For Ü BV ₂ BV ₃ BV ₄ BV _5, the variety of combination possibilities in two spaced Bürstenkör G _d h _b T _l G _{l i} k W _i k _il T _l Brearran _s een _gpp een _g eransewp¬ overview ... s:

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 Movement shape arranged at the front brush body

 BV 1 BV 2 BV 3 BV 4 BV 5 BV 6 fixed rotatable Transl. Articulated rocker articulated transl.

 movably movable motion connection with g rotation

Combi-Kombi-Kombi-Kombi-Kombi-Kombi-Kombi-Technik state nation 1 nation 2 nation 3 nation 4 nation 5 nation 6! S

CombiCombiCombiCombiCombiCombine combination 7 nation 8 nation 9 nation 10 nation 1 1 nation 12 nation 13

>

 85

CombiCombiCombiCombiCombiCombine combination 14 nation 15 nation 16 nation 17 nation 18 nation 19 nation 21

CombiCombiCombiCombiCombiCombi combination 22 nation 23 nation 24 nation 25 nation 26 nation 27 nation 28

Combi-Kombi-Kombi-Kombi-Kombi-KombiKombination 29 nation 30 nation 31 nation 32 nation 33 nation 34 nation 35

CombiCombiCombiCombiCombiCombined combination 36 nation 37 nation 38 nation 39 nation 40 nation 41 nation 42

Combi-Kombi-Kombi-Kombi-Kombi-KombiKombination 43 nation 44 nation 45 nation 46 nation 47 nation 48 nation 49

> The term "BV" stands for movement variant According to a combination, a brush body according to the first or third movement variant and a brush body fixedly attached to the head part are arranged one behind the other on the brush head (combination 1, combination 7). According to a first combination, a brush body according to the first or third movement variant and a brush body according to the second movement variant are arranged one behind the other on the brush head (corresponds to combination 15 or combination 17). The first brush body is arranged at the front. The second brush body is arranged at the rear.

So the toothbrush contains z. B. one, about a geometric axis of rotation or a pivot point within a rotational or pivotal angle on the head part rotatably or pivotally mounted, first brush body. Such a Bürstenköiper is already described above.

Further, the toothbrush includes a second brush body translationally movable along the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush. Such a Bürstenköiper is already described above. If the first brush body is designed to be round in a plan view, the second brush body can contain a U-shaped recess in plan view in the direction of the first brush body. The U-shaped recess at least partially absorbs the first brush body in the event of a translational movement of the second brush body toward the first brush body.

The U-shaped recess on the second brush body may be bordered with bristles. In this way it can be ensured that, in the case of a translatory movement of the second brush body away from the first brush body, there is no continuous bristle gap. According to a second combination, the brush bodies are arranged one behind the other. Thus, a brush body according to the second movement variant is arranged in front and behind on the brush head. In between, a brush body according to the first or third movement variant is arranged.

According to a third combination, the brush tubes are arranged one behind the other. Thus, a brush body according to the first or third movement variant is arranged in front and behind on the brush head. In between, a brush body is arranged immovably on the head part.

According to a fourth combination, two or more brush bodies according to the first and / or third movement variants are arranged one behind the other on the brush head. This corresponds among other things to the combination 8, combination 10, combination 23, or combination 25.

According to a fifth combination, two or more brush bodies according to the second movement variant are arranged one behind the other on the brush head. This corresponds inter alia to the combination 16 According to a sixth combination, the brush bodies are arranged one behind the other. Thus, a brush body according to the second movement variant is arranged on the brush head front and back. In between, a Bürstenköiper immobile is arranged on the headboard. According to a seventh combination, a brush body according to the fourth movement variant is arranged in the bristle area of the brush head. In front of and behind said brush body movable or movement-resistant brush body or a bristle arrangement connected to the head part can be provided immovably. The movable Bürstenköiper can for example come from the first, second or third movement variant. According to an eighth combination, two brush bodies according to the second movement variant are arranged next to one another on the brush head transversely to the longitudinal axis. Between the two brush bodies, a brush body of the first and / or third movement variant is arranged.

According to another combination, two brush bodies according to the second movement variant are arranged side by side on the brush head transversely to the longitudinal axis.

According to another combination, two brush bodies according to the second movement variant are arranged side by side on the brush head transversely to the longitudinal axis. Between the two brush bodies a bristle carrier is fixed directly on the headboard.

According to a ninth combination, a brush body according to the second movement variant and a brush body of the first and / or third movement variant are arranged side by side on the brush head transversely to the longitudinal axis. According to a tenth combination, a first brush body has in plan view a recess in which a second brush body is arranged. The first brush body surrounds the second brush body partially or completely.

The tenth combination may include the following subcombinations.

According to a first subcombination, a first brush body according to the fourth movement variant surrounds a second brush body according to the first and / or third movement variant. According to a group of eleventh subcombinations, a first brush body according to the second movement variant surrounds a second brush core according to one of the following variation variables:

 - first movement variant;

- third movement variant;

 - fourth movement variant;

 - Movable bristle body;

 - second movement variant.

The movement of two adjacent brush bodies can lead to a meshing of bristle fields. In this case, the intermeshing of the bristle fields can cause one bristle field to block the movement of the other bristle field, or the bristle fields to block one another. It may also be provided that the bristle fields are not blocked but restricted in their movement.

This can be done for example in a combination with a brush body of the first movement variant and a brush body of the second movement variant. Thus, the bristle field of the brush body of the second movement variant can be inclined in the direction of the other bristle field. Now, if this brush body moves against the other brush body, drive the bristle fields into each other and inhibit each other.

Further brush body can block each other, for example, by their bristle carrier. Due to the shape of the bristle carrier, they can intervene at a certain movement position in the movement of the other brush body and thus block it. For example, a brush body of the first movement variant can be inhibited by a brush body of the second movement variant when they touch each other. The movement of two adjacent brush bodies can also lead to the formation of a gap between two bristle fields. It can also be achieved on the shape of the bristle carrier and the design of the bristle fields with respect to length and orientation of the cleaning bristles and other functional elements that the gap is kept as small as possible or even closed.

Other possible combinations of movements are the superimposition of certain movement variants on elements of other movement variants. For example:

 An element of the first movement variant (rotation) has integrated a further element of the first movement variant (rotation) in the brush body.

 - An element of the second movement variant (translation) has an element of the first movement variant (rotation) integrated directly on the brush body. In this case, one or more cleaning elements, such as cleaning bristles, or second functional elements can be integrated on the integrated brush body of the first variant. It can also be several brush body of the second

Motion variant to be integrated.

 An element of the fourth movement variant (rocker) can have an element (or several elements) of the first movement variant (rotation) integrated.

An element of the fourth movement variant (rocker) can have one or more elements of the second movement variant integrated.

The combination options shown in the overview are not all described in detail. Described are previously the individual movement variants, each individually. The movement variants not executed in detail are still disclosed by the overview.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the toothbrush and in particular the brush head may contain a particular repeatedly aufziehbares spring mechanism or a wind-up rubber motor, which mechanical energy for driving the can store movable brush body. In particular, rotationally moved brush body can be driven by such a spring mechanism or such a rubber motor during the teeth cleaning. It can be provided that recesses in the head part or bristle carrier, in which the head part and bristle carrier move relative to each other, are covered in all movement positions on cover elements in order to prevent injury to the oral mucosa or the tongue during use. The cover can z. B. as already mentioned closure elements or elastic projections on the recesses of a soft component, which are resilient to the moving in the recess member. The cover can z. B. be configured film or lamellar.

Means may further be provided which cause a whimper sound to be generated when the brush body and the head part move too fast relative to one another or when the brush head is subjected to too high a pressure. The warning sound is caused in particular by a mechanical functionality. The mechanical functionality consists in the particular design of the part geometry and the particular choice of material, so that a noise is generated when two components move too fast relative to each other, or when the one component exerts an excessive pressure on the other component.

The head part can between the holders of two brush bodies a flexible portion, for. B. form of a soft component. The flexible section allows bending or twisting of the head part and corresponding to the two brush heads relative to each other. This may be advantageous, for example, if too much pressure is applied to the brush head or parts thereof. In this case, for example, the Bürstenköiper lying closer to the free end of the brush head over the head part would be yielding It can also be provided corresponding means which a tilting or buckling of a moving brush body, z. B. a rotating or translationally movable brush body, allow too much contact pressure. Such means can be predetermined breaking points, film hinges, in particular over-molded film hinges, flexible sections, for. B. from a soft component, in the head part or brush body, which yield only at a force exceeding and cause a buckling or tilting of the brush body.

Further, it is possible to attach to the head part means that provide a fixation and thus prevent the flexibility. These means may be configured similarly as the fixing elements for the brush body.

The brush head may be a return member for returning the brush body z. B. from a rotary, translatory or rocking deflection in its initial position contained.

The return member has in particular elastic, such as rubber-elastic properties. The return member may consist of a soft component. In particular, an elastic deformation of the restoring element leads to a restoring effect. The restoring properties of the restoring element can result from the shape and / or the material.

The return member may be realized from a hard component or a combination of a hard and soft component. The recovery properties are obtained from the molding.

The return member may be arranged on the head part. According to this embodiment, the moving brush body comes into abutment against the return member, whereby a deformation force is exerted on the return member. The return member may also be arranged on the brush body. According to this embodiment, the return member moving with the brush body comes into abutment with an element of the head part or another brush body, whereby a deforming force is exerted on the return element.

The return member may also be formed as a connecting element which connects the brush body with the head part or with another brush body. By the movement of the brush body, a deformation force is exerted on the return member.

The return member deforms elastically by the deformation force. This leads to the formation of a restoring force on the brush body, which leads to a recovery of the return member and a provision of the return member. The return member can, for. B. between two brush bodies. The return member may also be arranged in the guide opening of a slide guide and are elastically deformed by the guide element moving in the guide opening. The return member may be a member having a pleat structure. In particular, the fold structure may be zig-zag, serpentine or meandering. The return member may be an annular member. The return element can be elongated. The return element may be formed flat band-shaped. The return element may be straight or have a bend.

The restoring member may in particular be formed as a bulging element and arranged such that it bulges in a compression under construction of a restoring force by elastic deformation. The bulging takes place especially for the tooth cleaning side. Functional elements, such as knobs, lamellas, prophy cups, or even cleaning bristles, may be contained on the curved section. which advanced by the buckling of the return element, in particular to the dental cleaning side are pushed forward. Thus, an annular element, in general a bendable element, in particular a band-shaped or wall-shaped, flat element is suitable as a curling element.

The arching element is designed such that at least one side is fixed to a movable brush body. The other side can be fixed to a movable or fixed brush body. Exemplary embodiments are:

 One end of the Wölbelements is fixed to the headboard the other on the translatory carriage of the second movement variant. By the carriage movement relative to the attachment point on the headboard, the element is arched.

 Both ends of the Wölbelements are each fixed to a translational carriage of the second movement variant. If the two slides move relative to each other, the element is arched.

This embodiment further implies that the arching element is at the same time also a restoring element which wishes to pass from the deformed position back into the initial position or rest position. The starting position or rest position can be the arched or the less or not arched position.

The return member may comprise according to a further embodiment, at least one laterally arranged from the brush body on the head part return element. The restoring element is projecting from the head part such that it is compressed and / or deflected during the movement of the brush body via a driving contact with the brush body. By the compression or deflection of the return element this is elastically deformed. The restoring element may be elongate and be designed, for example, as a functional element, such as a lamella or cleaning bristle. The restoring element may additionally have the function of a cleaning bristle or be equipped with cleaning bristles. The return element can be aligned in particular to the front. The return member may have a plurality of such return elements. The return elements are arranged along the longitudinal axis, in particular laterally from the brush body one behind the other.

The restoring element is arranged in particular in a lateral indentation in the brush body or bristle carrier, which is bounded by lateral projections or bulges.

The brush head may contain one or more damping members. The damping member has in particular elastic, such as rubber-elastic properties. The damping element is in particular made of a soft component. In particular, an elastic deformation of the damping member leads to a damping of a brush body. The damping properties of the damping element can result from the shape and / or the material. The damping element can be arranged on the head part or on the brush body.

Thus, a damping member can be arranged between a first and second brush body. The damping member serves to dampen the movement of the brush body. Furthermore, viewed in the direction of movement, a damping element can be arranged in the guide opening of a slide guide on one or both of the end sections. The moving in the guide opening guide member proposes before a change of direction in each case on the damping element, so that the movement of the brush body is attenuated via the damping element. It can also be provided that the inner walls of the guide opening are at least partially configured with a soft component with damping properties. It is also possible to arrange damping and non-damping points alternately.

In general, damping elements can be arranged in the end region of guides. Next, the reverse realization is conceivable, namely, that the damping elements are arranged on the guide element. The damping elements are so for example, permanently or by the movement temporarily a surface of the head part, in particular in the guide slot on, whereby a damping is achieved.

If the movement of the brush body is rotational, then the damping element can be configured as a stop against which the rotating brush body abuts. For this purpose, the brush body can form a contact section which comes into abutment with the damping element. It is possible that the damping element on the end product is visible or invisible. In the realization of a visible damping element, this is arranged on the outside of the brush body / head part. In the realization of a not visible from the outside damping element this is arranged for example in the guide slot or in the receiving opening.

It can also be provided that an above-described return member performs the function of a damping member. At the damping member functional elements of the type already described in detail above may be formed, such as cleaning bristles or tongue cleaner made of a soft component. The damping element is replaced by a double function. The brush head may include a manually operable fixation member which is slidable between at least a first and a second position. The fixing member may assume a fixing position in a first position, which blocks or restricts the movement of the brush body, so that it is immovable or only limitedly movable. The limited movement may be, in particular, a limitation of the movement path of the brush body, so that only Partial movements can be performed. So can about the fixing z. B. reduces the angle of rotation or the translation shortened or completely canceled or the rocking motion are restricted or completely prevented. The fixing member can assume an open position in a second position, which allows the (complete) movement of the brush body.

By blocking or restricting the movement, it is possible, for example, to switch between a normal and a sensitive tooth cleaning, as is necessary in the case of users with sensitive gums or sensitive tooth necks.

The fixing member engages in the fixing position, in particular in the movement space of the brush body. The fixing member may be arranged on the head part. The fixing member may in particular be a slide element, which is displaceable along a guide from the open position into a fixing position and vice versa.

Thus, the fixing member can be guided displaceably in a passage opening in the head part. In the fixing position, the fixing member protrudes on the tooth cleaning side out of the head part. In the open position, the fixing member is set back in the direction of the headboard.

According to a development of the fixing device, this can be designed so that it works in multiple stages and can take, for example, three levels of restrictions on movement: no restriction of movement, partial restriction of movement and complete restriction of movement / fixation of the brush body. In the same manner, the fixing member can also be designed so that this, if several brush body are present in each case only limits the one or both brush body in their movement. The fixing element can be designed as a reversibly usable element or as an irreversibly usable element. In the reversible case, the element can be repeatedly switched back and forth between the different positions. In the irreversible case, once a setting, for. As the fixation or mobility, selected. The selected setting can not be undone. This can be used, for example, for the unique custom configuration of the toothbrush. The customer defines the possibility of movement after the purchase. With regard to the configuration of the fixing element, various possibilities are conceivable. The fixing element may be arranged, for example, hidden beneath a layer of soft material. In this way, no open geometries of the fixing are visible. The fixing element may be a mounting part, which is connected directly to the base body, in particular the head part. The fixing element may also be designed to be remounted for each use. The fixing element may be, for example, a clamp or a filling element. The fixing element can also be molded directly onto the base body. The fixing element can occupy several positions, in particular via a film hinge. It is possible that each position is provided with a cam, wherein the fixing element includes a recess and the fixing is done by bringing together the cam and recess. A reverse arrangement is also conceivable.

According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one functional element, for. B. for cleaning or massage, be arranged, which is moved by a moving brush body from a passive position to a functional position. Thus, the at least one functional element z. B. be moved out or pushed out by the movement of the brush body. The at least one functional element can in particular be retractable or extendable to the side. The at least one functional element may be a knob, a propy cup, a lamella or a bristle. The already mentioned above closure elements are listed directly in the various movement variants as an element for the back or side closing of openings. Closure elements can also be arranged on the front of the head part in order to close any openings. It is again possible to insert the closure element via a positive connection, such as snap-click connection, as a mounting part. The closure element can also be molded by injection molding. The closure element may be formed from a hard or soft component.

The closure element may be connected to the brush body. The closure element can be connected to the head part.

The closure element may be provided on its outwardly facing surface with functional elements such as one or more cleaning bristles.

The hard component mentioned in the context of this invention is a plastic, in particular a thermoplastic. The hard component is characterized by a comparatively high bending stiffness. It gives the body stability.

As hard components, various thermoplastic materials can be used. For example, the following thermoplastic materials are suitable as hard components:

Styrene polymers such as styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), styrene-methyl-methacrylate (SMMA) or styrene-butadiene (SB);

β polyolefins such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), for example also in the forms high density polyethylene (HDPE) or low density polyethylene (LDPE); Polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in the form of acid-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETA) or glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), acid-modified polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate (PCT-A) or glycol-modified polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate (PCT-G);

 Cellulose derivatives such as cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetobutyrate (CAB), cellulose propionate (CP), cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) or cellulose butyrate (CB);

• polyamides (PA) such as PA 6.6, PA 6.10 or PA 6.12;

 • polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA);

»Polycarbonate (PC);

 • polyoxymethylene (POM);

β polyvinyl chloride (PVC);

Polyurethane (PUR) However, it is particularly preferable to use a polypropylene (PP) or an acid-modified polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate (PCT-A) as a hard component. Due to its excellent transparent properties, PCT-A is particularly well suited as the first material component which, as is known, forms the sheath body. The hard component of PP preferably has an E-modulus of 1000 - 2400 N / mm ² , preferably from 1300 to 1800 N / mm ² .

The soft component mentioned in the context of this invention is a plastic, in particular a thermoplastic. The soft component may in particular be a thermoplastic elastomer. The soft component is characterized by its soft elastic properties.

As soft components, various thermoplastic elastomers (TPE's) can be used. Thus, in particular the following thermoplastic elastomers are suitable as soft components: Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPE-U)

 Thermoplastic styrene elastomers (TPE-S) such as a styrene ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymer (SEBS) or styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer (SBS)

 Thermoplastic Polyamide Elastomers (TPE-A)

 Thermoplastic Polyolefin Elastomers (TPE-O)

 Thermoplastic polyester elastomers (TPE-E)

The soft component used is preferably a TPE-S. Furthermore, the thermoplastics polyethylene (PE) and polyurethane (PU) can be used both as a hard component and as a soft component. The Shore A hardnesses of the soft component are preferably below 90 Shore A.

The first and second material components and in particular the soft components and the hard component preferably form a material closure during the injection molding process. Depending on the choice of material components and process Pai-meters, but it is also conceivable that it comes to no material closure, but to a form fit. Areas with material and form-fitting can alternate. The invention also relates to a method for producing a toothbrush described above. According to the invention, the main body is injection molded. produced. The bristle carrier of the brush body can also be produced in an injection molding process. Bristle carrier, optionally the whole brush body together with the cleaning bristles, and base body can be produced in a common injection molding process.

In the production of the toothbrush can be provided with predetermined breaking points between headboard and brush body, in particular bristle carrier, connecting portions, which intend that the mobility of the brush body relative to the head part is reached only when breaking the connecting portion along the predetermined breaking point.

Of course, certain components such as body, bristle carrier or brush body can be prepared in separate process steps and assembled in a subsequent step.

Bürstenköiper, which are connected to each other, for example, via connecting portions of soft material, in particular produced in the same injection molding and then mounted together on the headboard.

In the injection molding process, it is possible for portions of a soft component, for example, to be sprayed on a plurality of regions on the sprayed brush body from a hard component. These areas can be materially connected to each other and be injected through a common injection point. On the other hand, these areas can also be arranged in isolation and injected in each case via a separate injection point.

In particular, the injection molding process also allows transition points on the injection-molded brush bodies to be covered with soft material.

The assembly of the brush body on the head part can happen before or after the bristle process. The assembly takes place in particular before the packaging of the toothbrush. The assembly of the brush body can also be done directly in the context of the packaging process, however, before the actual packaging.

The bristling of the brush body or bristle carrier is done in the so-called Beborstungsprozess. The brush can already be mounted on the headboard at this time or not yet mounted. In both cases, it must be ensured that the brush body is in a clearly defined position and that the Brush body is properly supported so that it is not damaged during the bristle process.

If the brush body is bristled before assembly, the various interface structures must be sufficiently supported. Damage to these interface structures should be avoided, since otherwise the connection would no longer be optimal.

The assembly of brush bodies already provided with bristles must also be done carefully so as not to damage the bristles. In this case, the bristle carrier must be designed in such a way that the possible mechanical stress caused by the assembly does not result in damage to the bristle interface. This could possibly result in a precipitation of bristles. The movable brush body may be designed as an exchange component. This means that the brush can be replaced when worn or for different care steps. For example, different configurations of cleaning bristles on different brush bodies can be realized. The user then decides by the appropriate choice of the brush body, which configuration he wants to use.

If the Bürstenköiper not intended for replacement, the connection between the head and the respective brush body is designed so that the trigger weight for tearing off the Bürstenköipers from the head, for example, at least 12 kg, in particular at least 15 kg.

The brush head with the at least two movable brush bodies leads to an optimized cleaning effect. Thus, a combined movement of brush body and brush head leads to a higher cleaning performance, as the Cleaning bristles through the combined movement to better reach interdental spaces and other hard to reach areas.

Furthermore, such a brush head also allows a gentle tooth cleaning. Thus, in each case, in particular when placing the brush head at the beginning of the tooth cleaning, a large contact pressure is created, which stresses the teeth and gums. If the brush body can now give way or yield to the teeth when the brush head is placed on the teeth by a translatory or rotary movement or a combination thereof, the contact pressure is reduced and the load on the teeth and the gum is thereby reduced.

The subject matter of the invention will be explained in more detail below on the basis of preferred embodiments, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each show schematically:

FIG. 1a shows a side view of the brush head of a toothbrush according to the invention in accordance with a first embodiment variant;

 FIG. 1b shows a top view of the brush head according to FIG.

 Figure lc: a rear view of the brush head according to Figure la and lb;

 FIG. 1 d shows a longitudinal section through the brush head according to FIG. 1 c along the FIG

 Line A-A;

 FIG. 2a shows a side view of the brush head of a toothbrush according to the invention in accordance with a second embodiment variant;

 FIG. 2b shows a top view of the brush head according to FIG. 2a;

 FIG. 2c shows a rear side view of the brush head according to FIGS. 2a and 2b;

 FIG. 2d shows a longitudinal section through the brush head according to FIG. 2c along the FIG

 Line A-A;

 FIG. 3a shows a side view of the brush head of a toothbrush according to the invention in accordance with a third embodiment variant;

FIG. 3b shows a top view of the brush head according to FIG. 3a; FIG. 3c shows a rear side view of the brush head according to FIGS. 3a and 3b;

FIG. 3d shows a longitudinal section through the brush head according to FIG. 3c along the

 Line A-A;

 FIG. 3e shows a cross section through the brush head according to FIG. 3c along the FIG

 Line B-B;

 FIG. 3f shows a cross section through the brush head according to FIG. 3c along the FIG

 Line C-C;

 FIG. 4a shows a side view of the brush head of a toothbrush according to the invention in accordance with a fourth embodiment variant;

 FIG. 4b shows a top view of the brush head according to FIG. 4a;

FIG. 4c shows a rear side view of the brush head according to FIGS. 4a and 4b;

FIG. 4d shows a longitudinal section through the brush head according to FIG. 4c along the FIG

 Line A-A;

 FIG. 4e shows a cross section through the brush head according to FIG. 4c along the

 Line B-B;

 FIG. 4f shows a cross section through the brush head according to FIG. 4c along the FIG

 Line C - C;

 FIG. 5a shows a rear side view of the brush head of a toothbrush according to the invention in accordance with a fifth embodiment variant;

 FIG. 5b shows a longitudinal section through the brush head according to FIG. 5a along the

 Line A-A;

 FIG. 5c shows a rear side view according to FIG. 5a with laterally deflected left

 Brush body;

 FIG. 5 d: a rear view according to FIG. 5 a with laterally deflected right

 Brush body;

 FIG. 5e: a top view of the brush head according to FIGS. 5a-5d without

 Brush body;

 FIG. 5f shows a cross section through the brush head according to FIG. 4c along the FIG

Line BB; FIG. 5g shows a cross section through the brush head according to FIG. 4c along the line CC;

 FIG. 5h shows a cross section through the brush head according to FIG. 4c along the FIG

 Line D-D;

FIG. 6a shows a side view of the brush head of a toothbrush according to the invention in accordance with a sixth embodiment variant;

 FIG. 6b shows a top view of the brush head according to FIG. 6a;

FIG. 6c shows a longitudinal section through the brush head according to FIG. 6d along the FIG

 Line A-A with the brush body in an alternative travel position;

 FIG. 6d shows a longitudinal section through the brush head according to FIG. 6b along the FIG

 Line A-A;

 FIG. 7a shows a side view of the brush head of a toothbrush according to the invention in accordance with a seventh embodiment variant;

 Figure 7b is a plan view of the brush head according to Figure 7a;

FIG. 7c shows a rear side view of the brush head according to FIGS. 7a and 7b;

7d shows a cross section through the brush head according to FIG. 7c along the FIG

 Line A-A;

 FIG. 8a shows a side view of the brush head of a toothbrush according to the invention according to an eighth embodiment variant;

 FIG. 8b shows a plan view of the brush head according to FIG. 8a;

FIG. 8c shows a rear side view of the brush head according to FIGS. 8a and 8b;

FIG. 8d shows a cross section through the brush head according to FIG. 8c along the

 Line A-A;

 Figure 9 is a plan view of a guided in a guide slot guide member of the brush body according to a first type;

FIG. 10 shows a top view of a guide element of the brush body guided in a guide slot according to a second type; FIG. 1 a: shows a top view of the brush head of a toothbrush according to the invention in accordance with a ninth embodiment variant with a brush body in a first movement position;

 FIG. 1b: a plan view of the brush head according to FIG. 1a with the brush body in a second movement position;

 FIG. 12a shows a plan view of the brush head of a toothbrush according to the invention in accordance with a tenth embodiment variant with a brush body in a first movement position;

 FIG. 12b shows a top view of the brush head according to FIG. 1a with the brush body in a second movement position;

 FIG. 12c shows a top view of the brush head according to FIG. 1a with the brush body in a third movement position;

 FIG. 13a shows a plan view of the brush head of a toothbrush according to the invention in accordance with an eleventh embodiment variant with a brush body in a first movement position;

 FIG. 13b shows a cross section through the brush head according to FIG

 Line A-A;

 FIG. 13c shows a top view of the brush head of a toothbrush according to the invention according to FIGS. 13a and 13b with the brush body in a second movement position;

 FIG. 13d shows a cross section through the brush head according to FIG. 13c along the FIG

 Line A-A;

 FIG. 14a shows a top view of the brush head of a toothbrush according to the invention in accordance with a twelfth embodiment variant with a brush body in a first movement position;

 FIG. 14b shows a cross section through the brush head according to FIG. 14a along the FIG

 Line A-A;

 FIG. 14c shows a cross section through the brush head according to FIG. 14b with the FIG

Brush body in a second movement position; FIG. 15a shows a side view of the brush head of a toothbrush according to the invention in accordance with a thirteenth embodiment variant;

 FIG. 15b shows a longitudinal section through the brush head according to FIG. 15c along the

 Line A-A;

FIG. 15c shows a top view of the brush head according to FIGS. 15a and 15b with the FIGS

 Brush bodies in a first movement position;

 FIG. 15d shows a plan view of the brush head according to FIGS. 15a and 15b with the FIGS

 Brush bodies in a second movement position;

 FIG. 15e: a top view of the brush head according to FIGS. 15a and 15b with the FIGS

 Brush bodies in a third movement position;

 FIG. 16a shows a top view of the brush head of a toothbrush according to the invention in accordance with a fourteenth variant with the brush body in a first movement position;

 FIG. 16b shows a side view of the brush head according to FIG. 16a;

FIG. 16c shows a top view of the brush head according to FIG. 16a with the brush body in a second movement position;

 FIG. 16d shows a side view of the brush head according to FIG. 16c;

 FIG. 16e shows a plan view of the brush head according to FIG. 16a with the brush body in a third movement position;

FIG. 16f: a side view of the brush head according to FIG. 16e

 FIG. 16g shows a top view of the toothbrush with the brush head according to FIG. 16e with the brush body in the third movement position;

 FIG. 16h: a side view of the toothbrush according to FIG. 16g

 FIG. 17a shows a side view of the brush head of a toothbrush according to the invention in accordance with a fifteenth embodiment variant;

 FIG. 17b shows a plan view of the brush head according to FIG. 17a;

 FIG. 17c is a rear view of the brush head according to FIGS. 17a and 17b;

FIG. 17d shows a longitudinal section through the brush head according to FIG. 17c along the

Line AA; FIG. 18 shows a cross-section of an embodiment variant for mounting the bristle field for a brush body according to FIG. 1 d

 FIG. 19a shows a side view of the brush head of a toothbrush according to the invention in accordance with a sixteenth embodiment variant;

FIG. 19b shows a top view of the brush head according to FIG. 19a;

 FIG. 19c shows a longitudinal section through the brush head according to FIG. 19a along the

 Line A-A;

 Figure 19d is a perspective view of the coupling mechanism;

 FIG. 20a shows a plan view of the underside of the brush head of a toothbrush according to the invention according to a seventeenth embodiment variant without

Coupling mechanism and bristle carrier;

 FIG. 20b shows a top view of the underside of the brush head according to FIG. 20a

 Coupling mechanism and bristle carrier;

 FIG. 20c shows a side view of the brush head according to FIG. 20a;

FIG. 20d shows a side view of the brush head according to FIG. 20b;

 FIG. 20e: a front view of the brush head according to FIG. 20b;

 FIG. 20f: a plan view of the upper side of the brush head according to FIG. 20b;

 Figure 20g is a top plan view of the underside of the bristle carrier coupling mechanism;

FIG. 20h: a rear view of the coupling mechanism with bristle carrier according to FIG

 Figure 20g;

 FIG. 20i: a side view of the coupling mechanism with bristle carrier according to FIG

 Figure 20g;

 FIG. 20j: a front view of the coupling mechanism with bristle carrier according to FIG

 Figure 20g;

 FIG. 20k shows a plan view of the upper side of the coupling mechanism with bristle carrier according to FIG. 20g;

FIG. 21a shows a top view of the underside of the brush head of a toothbrush according to the invention according to an eighteenth embodiment variant without a coupling mechanism and bristle carrier; FIG. 21b shows a top view of the underside of the brush head according to FIG. 21a with coupling mechanism and bristle carrier;

 FIG. 21c shows a side view of the brush head according to FIG. 21a;

 FIG. 21d shows a side view of the brush head according to FIG. 21b;

 FIG. 21e: a front view of the brush head according to FIG. 21b;

 FIG. 21f: a top view of the upper side of the brush head according to FIG. 21b;

 Figure 21g is a top plan view of the underside of the bristle carrier coupling mechanism;

 FIG. 21h: a rear view of the coupling mechanism with bristle carrier according to FIG

 Figure 21g;

 Figure 2 Ii: a side view of the coupling mechanism with bristle carrier according

 Figure 21g;

 FIG. 2 lj: a front view of the coupling mechanism with bristle carrier according to FIG

 Figure 21g;

 FIG. 21k shows a plan view of the upper side of the coupling mechanism with bristle carrier according to FIG. 21g.

Basically, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures. For the understanding of the invention, certain features are not shown in the figures. The described embodiments are exemplary of the subject invention or serve its explanation and have no limiting effect.

In the following figures, inter alia pairings of movable brush bodies are shown on a common head part. However, the individual brush bodies and the associated movement mechanisms in cooperation with the headboard should also be considered as independent disclosures, especially when the pairings of brush bodies do not comprise coupled movements. Likewise, restoring members and damping elements shown should be considered as independent disclosures. The toothbrush 1, as shown in its basic structure in Figure 16g and 16h in connection with a variant of the brush head, includes a base body 2 with a handle portion 3 for holding the toothbrush 1 by hand. Furthermore, the main body 2 contains a head part 6.1-6.21 (corresponds to 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 6.10, 6.11, 6.12, 6.13, 6.14, 6.15, 6.16, 6.17, 6.18, 6.19 , 6.20, 6.21) and a neck part 4, which connects the head part 6.1-6.21 with the handle part 3.

The head part 6.1 -6.21 can be designed according to one of the embodiments of Figure 1 to 21. The head part 6.1-6.21 forms together with the brush coater (s) 10a-410a described below; 10b-410b (corresponds to 10a, 10b;

20a, 20b; 30a, 30b; 40a, 40b; 50a, 50b; 60a, 60b; 70a, 70b; 80a, 80b; 90a, 90b; 100a,

100b; 110a, 110b; 120a, 120b; 150a, 150b; 160a, 160b, 170a, 180a; 210a, 210b; 310a,

310b; 410a, 410b) the brush head 5.1-5.21 (corresponds to: 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 5.10, 5.11, 5.12, 5.15, 5.16, 5.17, 5.18, 5.19, 5.20, 5.21) or part of it. The head part 6.1-6.21 serves as a carrier for or arranged on this

Brush body 10a-410a; 10b-410b.

The embodiments of brush heads 5.1-5.21 according to FIGS. 1 to 21, as mentioned, each contain a head part 6.1-6.21. At the head part 6.1-6.21, respectively, a first brush body 10a-410a and a second brush body 10b-410b is arranged. The two brush bodies 10a-410a; 10b-410b are arranged one behind the other along the longitudinal axis L of the toothbrush 1. The first brush body 10a-410a is in each case arranged at the front on the free end section of the head part 6.1-6.21. The second brush body 10b-410b is arranged in each case behind the handle part 3 on the head part 6.1-6.21.

The first brush body 10a-410a includes a first bristle carrier 1a-411a. The first brush body 10a-210a further includes first cleaning bristles 12a-212a (not shown in Figures 20 and 21), which are arranged on the first bristle carrier la-411a. The cleaning bristles 12a-212a form a first bristle field.

The second brush body 10b-410b includes a second bristle carrier 1 Ib-41 Ib. The second brush body 10b-410b further contains second cleaning bristles 12b-212b (not shown in FIGS. 20 and 21), which are arranged on the second bristle carrier 1 1b-41 lb. The second cleaning bristles 12b-212b form a second bristle field. According to the first and second embodiment variant according to FIGS. 1a-1d and 2a-2d, the first brush body 10a, 20a is round in plan view, in particular circular. The first brush body 10a contains, as an axle element, a journal 13a, 23a, which is arranged on the side opposite the first bristle field on the first bristle carrier 1a, 21a.

The axle journal 13a, 23a and via this the first brush body 10a, 20a are rotatably mounted in an axle receptacle or axle opening or, as mentioned here, a receiving opening 14a, 24a on the head part 6.1, 6.2. The receiving opening 14a, 24a is formed as a continuous round opening in the head part 6.1, 6.2. However, the round opening does not need to be continuous, but may also be formed only as a depression. The journal 13a, 23a as part of the first brush body 10a, 20a is connected via a snap-click connection with the head part 6.1, 6.2 and thereby secured axially. The journal 13a, 23a and thus the geometric axis of rotation R are arranged centrally.

The first bristle field opposite, free end of the journal 13a, 23a extends beyond the head portion 6.1, 6.2 on the other side of the continuous receiving opening 14a, 24a. At this free end, first functional elements 15a, 25a, such as knobs or lamellae, are arranged, which serve as tongue cleaners. The tongue cleaner is relative to the head 6.1, 6.2 accordingly movable. The second brush body 10b, 20b is elongated. According to the first embodiment according to FIG. 1a-1d, the second brush body 10b comprises two guide elements arranged along the longitudinal axis L, spaced apart from one another on the second bristle carrier 1b, in this case called guide pins 13b.

According to the second embodiment variant according to FIGS. 2a-2d, the second brush body 20b contains only one guide pin 23b arranged on the second bristle carrier 21b, analogous to the previously described guide elements.

The one or more guide pins 13b, 23b are arranged on the second bristle field opposite side on the second bristle carrier 1 lb, 21b.

The one or more guide pins 13b, 23b and over these the second brush body 10b, 20b are mounted in a guide opening, here longitudinal opening 14b, 24b on the head part 6.1, 6.2 along the longitudinal axis L translationally displaceable. The longitudinal opening 14b, 24b and the second brush body 10b, 20b with the guide pin or pins 13b, 23b thus form a slide guide, i. a sliding guide, wherein the second brush body 10b, 20b corresponds to the carriage.

The longitudinal opening 14b, 24b is formed as a continuous opening in the head part 6.1, 6.2. However, the opening need not be continuous, but may also be formed only as a longitudinal groove. The one or more guide pins 13b, 23b as part of the second brush body 10b, 20b are connected via a snap-click connection with the head part 6.1, 6.2 and thereby secured against slipping out of the longitudinal opening 14b, 24b.

The second bristle field opposite, free end of the guide pin or 13 b, 23 b extends on the other side of the continuous longitudinal opening 14 b, 24 b respectively beyond the head part 6.1, 6.2 also. At these free ends are second Functional elements 15b, 25b, such as knobs or fins arranged, which serve as tongue cleaner.

By manually performed with the toothbrush cleaning movement by reciprocating and by exerting a contact pressure of the brush head 5.1, 5.2 to the teeth, the first brush body 10a, 20a is then rotated about a rotation axis R in a rotational movement.

By manually performed with the toothbrush cleaning movement by reciprocating and by exerting a contact pressure of the brush head 5.1, 5.2 to the teeth, the second brush body 10b, 20b along the longitudinal opening 14b, 24b is further set in a translational reciprocating motion. In this movement, the second brush body 10b, 20b moves to the first brush body 10a, 20a now and then away from it.

The second bristle carrier I 1b, 21b forms in plan view to the first bristle carrier I Ia, 21a towards further a concave recess which is designed to receive a partial contour of the first brush body 10a, 20a. This ensures that the brush head 5.1, 5.2 during the cleaning movement in each position of the second brush body 10b, 20b along its translational trajectory forms a continuous as possible bristle field, or that the resulting gap is kept as small as possible in the bristle field.

The second embodiment according to Figure 2a-2d differs from the first embodiment further hereinafter in that the head part 6.2 on its back third functional elements 26, such as knobs or fins, identifies which z. B. serve as a tongue cleaner.

According to the third and fourth embodiment variants according to FIGS. 3a-3f and 4a-4f, the first brush body 30a, 40a is likewise round in plan view, in particular circular, educated. The first brush body 30a, 40a contains a joint head 33a, 43a, which is arranged on the side opposite the first bristle field on the first bristle carrier 31a, 41a. The first brush body 30a, 40a is articulated via the joint head 33a, 43a in a joint opening 34a, 44a on the head part 6.3, 6.4. The joint opening 34a, 44a is formed as a continuous round opening in the head part 6.3, 6.4. However, the round opening does not need to be continuous, but can also only as a depression, z. B. as a kind of socket, be formed. The condyle 33a, 43a as part of the first brush body 30a, 40a is inserted via a snap-click connection in the joint opening 34a, 44a and connected to the head part 6.3, 6.4 and secured against jumping out of the joint opening 34a, 44a.

The articulation allows a deflection of the first brush body 30a, 40a in three directions. However, the deflection is only possible over a partial circumference of a pivoting circle.

The second brush body 30b, 40b is elongated. According to the third embodiment variant according to FIGS. 3a-3f, two mutually opposing surrounding elements 33b are integrally formed on the second bristle carrier 31b. According to the fourth embodiment variant according to FIGS. 4a-4f, three finger-shaped surrounding elements 43b are formed on each side of the second bristle carrier 41b. The enclosing elements 43b on the two sides are directed against each other. The enclosing elements 33b, 43b are directed towards the rear side of the head part 6.3, 6.4. The enclosing elements 33b, 43b surround a longitudinal guide body 34b, 44b formed from the head part 6.3, 6.4 on the outside. The longitudinal guide body 34b, 44b has the function of a guide rail and is viewed in cross-section T-shaped. However, another cross-sectional geometry is also possible. The T-shaped longitudinal guide body 34b, 44b has a central rib, which between the oppositely directed Umfassungselementen 33b, 43b passes. The enclosing elements 33b, 43b form with the second bristle carrier 31b, 41b a slot-shaped receiving space, which receives the flanks of the T-shaped longitudinal guide body 34b, 44b.

The enclosing elements 33b, 43b and the longitudinal guide body 34b, 44b together form a sliding guide, which allows the second brush body 30b, 40b along the longitudinal axis L on the head part 6.3, 6.4 to move translationally. The sliding guide is a slide guide, wherein the second brush body 30b, 40b corresponds to the carriage.

The enclosing elements 33b, 43b ensure that the brush body 30b, 40b can not detach transversely to the direction of movement from the head part 6.3, 6.4. The second brush body 30b, 40b may, for. B. via a snap-click connection over the longitudinal guide body 34 b, 44 b to be pushed. The enclosing elements 33b, 43b have elastic properties for this purpose.

By manually performed with the toothbrush cleaning movement by reciprocating and by exerting a contact pressure of the brush head 5.3, 5.4 to the teeth, now the first brush body 30a, 40a about the pivot point of the condyle 33 a, 43 a deflected.

By manually performed with the toothbrush cleaning movement by reciprocating and by exerting a contact pressure of the brush head 5.3, 5.4 to the teeth, the second brush body 30b, 40b along the longitudinal guide body 34b, 44b is further set in a translational reciprocation. In this movement, the second brush body 30b, 40b moves to the first brush body 30a, 40a now and then away from it. The second bristle carrier 31b, 41b further forms a recess in plan view toward the first bristle carrier 31a, 41a, which is designed to receive a partial contour of the first brush body 30a, 40a. This ensures that the brush head 5.3, 5.4 during the cleaning movement in each position of the second brush body 30b, 40b along its translational trajectory forms a continuous as possible bristle field, or that the resulting gap is kept as small as possible in the bristle field.

According to the fifth embodiment according to FIGS. 5a-5h, the first brush body 50a is round in plan view, in particular circular. The first brush body 50a includes a shaft journal 53a as an axle element which is arranged on the side opposite the first bristle field on the first bristle carrier 51a.

The axle journal 53a and via this the first brush body 50a are rotatably mounted in an axle opening, the receiving opening 54a on the head part 6.5. The receiving opening 54a is formed as a continuous round opening in the head part 6.5. However, the round opening does not need to be continuous, but may also be formed only as a depression. The axle journal 53a as part of the first brush body 50a is connected via a snap-click connection with the head part 6.5 and thereby secured axially. The axle journal 53a and thus the geometric axis of rotation R are arranged centrally.

The second brush body 50b is elongated and includes a guide pin 53b disposed on the second bristle carrier 51b as a guide member. The guide pin 53b is arranged on the side opposite the second bristle field on the second bristle carrier 51b. The guide pin 53b and via this the second brush body 50b are slidably mounted in a guide opening, the longitudinal opening 54b on the head part 6.5. The longitudinal opening 54b and the second brush body 50b with the guide pin or pins 53b thus form a slide guide, ie a slide guide, the second brush body 50b corresponding to the slide. The longitudinal opening 54b is formed as a guide groove in the head part 6.5. However, the opening can also be formed continuously. The guide pin 53b as part of the second bristle carrier 51b is connected via a snap-click connection with the head part 6.5 and thereby secured against slipping out of the longitudinal opening 54b.

In contrast to the first and second embodiment variant according to Figure la-ld and 2a- 2d extends the longitudinal opening 54b obliquely to the longitudinal axis L, so that the second brush body 50b has a component of movement along the longitudinal axis L and also transverse to the longitudinal axis L. Moreover, the second brush body 50b, viewed transversely to the longitudinal axis L, is guided over a curvature. The underside of the second bristle carrier 51b, which is opposite the second bristle field, is recessed concavely. As a result, the movement transversely to the longitudinal axis L becomes a pivoting movement, in which the second bristle field, that is to say the bristle field of the second brush body 50b, is pivoted to the side about a geometric axis of rotation.

By manually performed with the toothbrush cleaning movement by means of reciprocating and by exerting a contact pressure of the brush head 5.5 to the teeth, the first brush body 50a is now placed about a rotation axis R in a rotational movement.

By manually performed with the toothbrush cleaning movement by reciprocating and by exerting a contact pressure of the brush head 5.5 to the teeth, the second brush body 50b is further pushed along the longitudinal opening 54b back and forth. In this case, the second brush body 50b performs a combined Movement, which comprises a component of movement along the longitudinal axis L to the first brush body 50a and back away from this and a lateral swinging (see Figures 5f, 5g and 5h). FIGS. 5f, 5g and 5h each show a position. In this case, Figure 5f shows the middle position when the second brush body 50b is located directly in the axis with the head part 6.5. FIG. 5g shows the position of the second brush body 50b with a maximum deflection to the left. FIG. 5h shows the position of the second brush body 50b with a maximum deflection to the right.

According to the sixth embodiment of Figure 6a-6d, the first brush body 60a in plan view round, in particular circular, trained and fixed or rotatable on the head part 6.6 attached. The second brush body 60b is elongate and translationally displaceable from and away from the first brush body 60a via a sliding guide (not further explained here) along the longitudinal axis L.

On the side of the bristle field between the first and second brush body 60a, 60b, a rubber elastic return member 63 is arranged. The return member 63 is configured in particular of a soft component and as a buckling element.

The return member 63 is fixed to the head part 6.6 with a first end and to the second brush body 60b at another end. The formation and fixation of the return member 63 is such that, upon displacement of the second brush body 60b, it bulges out from a home position to the first brush body 60a by reducing the space between the first and second brush bodies 60a, 60b and thus tensioned , The return member is formed in the present example as a flat element. The Return member may be formed in a further development of the invention as a ring-like element (not shown).

By manually performed with the toothbrush cleaning movement by reciprocating and by exerting a contact pressure of the brush head 5.6 to the teeth, the second brush body 60b is placed in a translational reciprocating motion. During this movement, the second brush body 60b moves toward and away from the first brush body 60a. During the return movement, the second brush body 60b is pushed back to its starting position when the displacement force decreases due to the restoring force of the energized restoring element 63.

On the return member 63, moreover, functional elements 64 in the form of cleaning bristles or lamellae are arranged. The functional elements 64 are arranged on the bulging portion of the return member 64, so that they move up and down during the reciprocation of the second brush body 60b.

In comparison between the two figures 6c and 6d, the various extreme positions can be seen. FIG. 6c shows the starting position with the functional element 64 lying lower and the rubber-elastic return member 63 almost flat. The distance between the first brush body 60a and the second brush body 60b is maximal. FIG. 6d shows the position of the functional element 64 and the elastomeric restoring element 63, in which the distance between the first brush body 60a and the second brush body 60b is the lowest.

According to the seventh embodiment variant according to FIGS. 7a-7d, the first brush body 70a is designed in plan view in a not entirely round shape. The first brush body 70a includes as axle member a journal 73a, which on the The first bristle field opposite side is disposed on the first bristle carrier 71a and allows rotation.

The axle journal 73a and via this the first brush body 70a are rotatably mounted in an axle receptacle, the receiving opening 74a, on the head part 6.7. The receiving opening 74a is formed as a continuous round opening in the head part 6.7. However, the round opening does not need to be continuous, but may also be formed only as a depression. The axle journal 73a as part of the first brush body 70a is connected via a snap-click connection with the head part 6.7 and thereby secured axially. The journal 73a and thus the geometric axis of rotation R are arranged centrally.

The second brush body 70b is elongate and includes a guide pin 73b disposed on the second bristle carrier 71b as a guide member. The guide pin 73b is arranged on the side opposite the second bristle field on the second bristle carrier 71b.

The guide pin 73b and via this the second brush body 70b are mounted in a guide opening, the longitudinal opening 74b, on the head part 6.7 along the longitudinal axis L translationally displaceable. The longitudinal opening 74b and the second brush body 70b with the guide pin 73b thus form a carriage guide, i. a sliding guide, wherein the second brush body 70b corresponds to the carriage.

The longitudinal opening 74b is formed as a continuous opening in the head part 6.7. However, the opening need not be continuous, but may also be formed only as a longitudinal groove.

The guide pin 73b as part of the second brush body 70b is connected via a snap-click connection with the head part 6.7 and thereby secured against slipping out of the longitudinal opening 74b. The second bristle carrier 71b contains laterally arranged recesses 76. Furthermore, in the region of the carriage guide, restoring elements 75 projecting laterally from the head part 6.7 are arranged from a soft component. The return elements 75 are positioned in the starting position of the second brush body 70b in the recesses 76 of the second brush body 70b. The restoring elements 75 each include a cleaning bristle 77, which fits into the bristle area of the brush head 5.7. By manually performed with the toothbrush cleaning movement by reciprocating and by exerting a contact pressure of the brush head 5.7 to the teeth, the second brush body 70b along the longitudinal opening 74b is set in a translational reciprocating motion. The second brush body 70b moves to the first brush body 70a now and then away from it.

During this movement process, the restoring elements 75 in the indentations 76 each come laterally into abutment with the brush body 70b or the bristle carrier. Since the elastic return elements 75 can not slide out of the recess 76, they are deformed by the displacement force and / or deflected laterally. In this way, on the one hand, a damping effect is exerted on the moving second brush body 70b. On the other hand, the single return member 75 also exerts a restoring force on the moving second brush body 70b, which returns it to its original position. The restoring elements 75 thus form a return member.

By manually performed with the toothbrush cleaning movement by means of reciprocating and by exerting a contact pressure of the brush head 5.7 to the teeth, the first brush body 70a is further offset about a rotation axis R in a rotational movement. The first brush body 70a also has a return element 78. This is like the elements on the second brush body 70b elastically deformed by the deflection and thus leads to a provision of the first brush body 70a in the starting position. The return element 78 is attached directly to the head part 6.7. The return actuator 78 is also designed as a cleaning element / functional element.

According to the eighth embodiment variant according to FIGS. 8a-8d, the first brush body 80a is round in plan view, in particular circular. The first brush body 80a includes a stub axle 83a as an axle element, which is arranged on the side opposite the first bristle field on the first bristle carrier 81a.

The journal 83a and via this the first brush body 80a are rotatably mounted in an axle receptacle, the receiving opening 84a, on the head part 6.8. The receiving opening 84a is formed as a continuous round opening in the head part 6.8. However, the round opening does not need to be continuous, but may also be formed only as a depression. The journal 83a as part of the first bristle carrier 81a is connected via a snap-click connection with the head part 6.8 and thereby secured axially. The journal 83a and thus the geometric axis of rotation R are arranged centrally.

The second brush body 80b is elongated. At the second bristle carrier 81b two mutually facing Umfassungselemente 83b are formed. The enclosing elements 83b are directed to the back of the head part 6.8. The enclosing elements 83b surround on the outside a longitudinal guide body 84b formed on the head part 6.8. The longitudinal guide body 84b has the function of a kind of guide rail and, viewed in cross-section, is T-shaped. However, another cross-sectional geometry is also possible. The T-shaped longitudinal guide body 84b has a central rib which passes between the mutually facing enclosing members 83b. The enclosing elements 83b form with the bristle carrier 81b from a slot-shaped receiving space, which receives the flanks of the T-shaped longitudinal guide body 84b.

The enclosing elements 83b and thus the second bristle carrier 81b and the longitudinal guide body 84b together form a carriage guide, i. Sliding guide off. This allows the second brush body 80b to translate along the longitudinal axis L on the head part 6.8. The second brush body 80b corresponds to the carriage. The enclosing elements 83b ensure that the brush body 80b can not detach transversely to the direction of movement from the head part 6.8. The second brush body 80b may be slid across the longitudinal guide body 84b via a snap-click connection. The enclosing elements 83b have elastic properties for this purpose.

The second bristle carrier 81b contains on both sides of the approach of Umfassungselementes 83b arranged support portions 86 of a soft component. On the support portions 86 is in each case a cleaning element 87, such as cleaning bristle or lamella, z. B. a soft component arranged.

Between the first and second bristle carrier 81a, 81b, a damping element 85 made of a soft component is also fixedly arranged on the head part 6.8. The damping element 85 has elastic properties and exerts a damping or buffering function relative to the second brush body 80b. The damping element 85 is also a carrier of cleaning elements 88, such as cleaning bristles or fins, z. B. a soft component.

The above-mentioned cleaning elements 87, 88 fit into the existing bristle field. By manually performed with the toothbrush cleaning movement by reciprocating and by exerting a contact pressure of the brush head 5.8 to the teeth, the second brush body 80b is placed along the longitudinal guide body 84b in a translational reciprocating motion. The second Bürstenköiper 80b moves to the first brush body 80a now and then away from it.

During this movement process, the second bristle carrier 81b strikes the first brush body 80a in each case against the damping element 85. Due to the elastic properties of the damping element 85, the impact of the second brush body 80b on the damping element 85 is damped. The damping element 85 can even exert a restoring force on the second brush body 80b in this process due to an elastic deformation.

By manually performed with the toothbrush cleaning movement by reciprocating and by exerting a contact pressure of the brush head 5.8 to the teeth, the first brush body 80a is further offset about a rotation axis R in a rotational movement.

Figures 9 and 10 show a first and second type of slide guide for the second brush body in combination with return organs. The carriage guidance is described in detail, inter alia, in the embodiment variants according to FIGS. 2a-2d and 7a-7d. The return organs have elastic properties, in particular due to their shape. FIG. 9 shows a longitudinal opening 134b in the head part 6.13. In the guide opening, the longitudinal opening 134b, the guide pin 133b of the second brush body is slidably guided along the longitudinal opening 134b as a guide element. On both sides of the guide pin 133b, a return member 135 made of a soft or hard component is disposed in the longitudinal opening 134b. The two return members 135 each have a fold structure with a zig-zag pattern. The two Actuators 135 are each connected to a first end portion with the guide pin 133b and with a second end portion in the longitudinal opening 134b with the head part 6.13. If the guide pin 133b is located in the middle of the longitudinal opening 134b, then the restoring members 135 are in a neutral position, ie they are relaxed. By moving the guide pin 133b along the longitudinal opening 134b, the fold structure of the return members 135 is pulled apart on one side and compressed on the other side. The compressed restoring member 135 now exerts on the guide pin 133b a restoring force from a compressive stress in the direction of the neutral position in the middle of the longitudinal opening 134b. The retracted return member 135 also exerts on the guide pin 133b a restoring force from a tensile stress in the direction of the neutral position. In this way, the guide pin 133b and with this the second brush body is returned to the center of the longitudinal opening 134b following a deflection by the restoring forces of the return members 135.

FIG. 10 shows as a guide opening a longitudinal opening 144b in a head part 6.14. In the longitudinal opening 144b, the guide pin 143b of the second brush body is slidably guided along the longitudinal opening 144b as a guide element. On both sides of the guide pin 143b, a return member 145 made of a soft or hard component is disposed in the longitudinal opening 144b. The two return organs 145 have an arcuate structure. The two return organs 145 each form a contact section with the guide end 143b out of a first end section. The two return organs 145 are also connected to the head part 6.14 each and with a second end section in the longitudinal opening 144b.

If the guide pin 143b is located in the middle of the longitudinal opening 144b, the restoring members 145 are in a neutral position, ie they are relaxed. By moving the guide pin 143b along the longitudinal opening 144b the arcuate structure of the return member 145 is compressed on one side. The compressed return member 145 now exerts on the guide pin 143b a restoring force from a compressive stress in the direction of the neutral position in the middle of the longitudinal opening 144b. In this way, the guide pin 143b and with this the second brush body is returned to the center of the longitudinal opening 144b following a deflection by the restoring force of the return member 145.

The return organs can also have a different shape. If the return member in the longitudinal opening on the one hand connected to the head part and on the other hand to the guide pin, it may also be arranged on one side of the guide pin, a return member in the longitudinal opening.

FIGS. 11a-12b and 12a-12c show a ninth and a tenth embodiment of a toothbrush according to the invention, in which the movement between the first and second brush bodies 90a, 90b; 100a, 100b is coupled via a coupling element 93, 103. The coupling element may consist of a hard or soft component. The coupling element 93, 103 is elastic or flexible. The first brush body 90a, 100a is rotatably mounted on the head part 6.9, 6.10. The second brush body 90b, 100b is guided translationally displaceable along the longitudinal axis L on the head part 6.9, 6.10. The type of leadership is of minor importance according to these embodiments. According to the embodiment according to FIG. 11a-1b, the first and second brush bodies 90a, 90b are connected directly to one another via a coupling element 93; the coupling element 93 is fixed both on the first and also on the second brush body 90a, 90b. The connection is such that the second brush body 90b, which translates alternately in an alternating manner, displaces the first brush body 90a via the coupling element 93 into a likewise alternating rotational movement. The However, rotational movement is within a limited angle of rotation, in particular less than 180 °. The coupling element 93 performs the function of a driving and pulling element. If the second brush body 90b is displaced in the direction of the first brush body 90a, a movement of the first brush body 90a in a rotational direction is initiated via the coupling element 93, in particular until the two brush bodies 90a, 90b abut one another. When the second brush body 90b moves back, the two brush bodies 90a, 90b move away from each other and the first brush body 90a rotates in the opposite direction until the coupling element 93 is stretched.

According to the embodiment according to FIGS. 12a-12c, a coupling element 103 is arranged on the second brush body 100b. The coupling member 103 forms a contact portion toward the first brush body 100a, the opposite side of the coupling member 103 is fixedly and directly connected to the second brush body 100b. The first brush body 100a has a gear-shaped circumferential structure into which the coupling element 103 engages with its contact section. According to this exemplary embodiment, the first brush body 100a has only one row of bristles 102a for visualizing the rotational movement.

The two brush bodies 100a, 100b cooperate in such a way that the translationally alternately displacing second brush body 100b sets the first brush body 100a in a contact movement via the coupling element 103 into a rotational movement. During rotation, the contact portion of the coupling element 103 jumps into the next recess of the gear structure.

The first brush body 100a may be rotatably supported only in one direction, that is, have a freewheel. It is thereby achieved that the first brush body 100a does not turn back when the second brush body 100b moves away from it removed and the coupling element 103 grinds over the gear-shaped outer geometry of the brush body 100a.

The sequence of the movement of this principle of the drive of the first brush body 100a through the second brush body 100b is shown schematically in FIGS. 12a to 12c. The process is in the order of FIGS. 12c, 12b and 12a.

FIG. 12c shows the starting position. The bristle row with the cleaning bristles 102a is shown in a first position. In FIG. 12b, the coupling element 103 comes into contact with the first brush body 100a and rotates it further as can be seen from the position of the row of bristles shown. The coupling element 103 is deflected. In FIG. 12a, the second brush body 100b is again shown in the starting position when it is moved back and the first brush body 100a is in a next latching position. In a further sequence of movements, the second brush body 100b in turn pushes the coupling element 103 against the first brush body 100a and thus continues the rotational movement of the first brush body 100a.

Figures 13a-13d and 14a-14c show an eleventh and twelfth embodiment variant with alternative movement concepts for the brush body 110a, 110b; 120a, 120b.

Thus, the brush head 5.11, 5.12 a lifting element 113, 123, which connects the first brush body 1 10a, 120a with the underlying head portion 6.11, 612 movable. The lifting element 113, 123 is fastened on the underside of the first bristle carrier 1 I 1 a, 121 a opposite the bristle field. The lifting element 113, 123 is configured and attached to the head part 6.11, 6.12, that the first brush body 110a, 120a on the lifting element 113, 123 helically wegbewegbar to the head part 6.1 1, 612 and from this. According to the embodiment according to FIGS. 13a-13d, the second brush body 110b is articulated to the underlying head part 6.11 via two lifting elements 114 arranged at a distance from each other. The lifting elements 114 are fastened on the underside of the second bristle carrier 111b opposite the bristle field. The lifting elements 1 14 are configured and attached to the brush head 5.11 or on the head part 6.11, that the second brush body 110b can be moved over the lifting elements 114 parallelogram-like to the head part 6.1 1 and away from it. FIG. 13d shows the starting position of the two brush bodies 110a, 110b when no force is exerted on them. The lifting elements 113, 114 have a maximum angle relative to the head part 6.11. The restoring forces of the lifting elements 113, 114 act due to the geometric configuration so that the initial position is reached again and again in the unloaded state.

By applying pressure to the cleaning bristles 12a and 112b during use, the first and second bristle carriers 11a, 11bb are urged in the direction of the head portion 6.11. The first bristle carrier l i la makes by the pressure of a movement in the direction of the head part 6.11 and at the same time a rotation in a direction which is predetermined by the corresponding lifting element 113. The first bristle carrier l i la performs quasi a screwing movement.

The second bristle carrier 11 1b performs a parallelogram-like movement when applying a pressure. The parallelogram-like movement is a combined movement, on the one hand in the direction of the head part 6.11 and on the other hand in the direction of the neck part of the toothbrush, ie in a direction away from the first brush body 110a. The parallelogram-like movement is again predetermined by the configuration of the lifting elements 114. The design of the brush body 110a, 110b and head parts 6.11 with lifting elements 1 13, 114 thus comprises two components of movement. A first common component of movement runs in the height, ie to the head part 6.11 now and then away from it. A second component of motion includes either rotation about a geometric axis of rotation or translation away from and back to the other brush body 110a.

FIG. 13c shows the starting position in plan view. FIG. 13d shows a cross-sectional view of FIG. 13c. Figure 13a shows the brush head applying a pressure to the brush bodies 110a, 110b. FIG. 13b shows a cross-sectional view of FIG. 13a.

According to the embodiment variant according to FIGS. 14a-14d, the second brush body 120b is designed as a rocker, in which the second bristle carrier 121b is mounted on a rocker axis 124. The rocker axis 124 is aligned transversely to the longitudinal axis L and lies parallel to the geometric cleaning plane. The second bristle carrier 121b can thus exert a rocking movement relative to the head part 6.12. The movement of the brush bodies 110a, 110b; 120a, 120b relative to the head part 6,11, 6.12 is also triggered by the manually executed cleaning movement of the toothbrush by means of reciprocating and exerting a contact pressure of the brush head 5.11 or 5.12 to the teeth. According to the thirteenth embodiment variant according to FIGS. 15a-15e, the first brush body 150a is round in plan view, in particular circular. The first brush body 150a includes as axle member a journal 153a, which is arranged on the side opposite the first bristle field on the first bristle carrier 151a. The axle journal 153a and above it the first brush body 150a are rotatably mounted in the axle receptacle, a receiving opening 154a, on the head part 6.15. The receiving opening 154a is formed as a continuous round opening in the head part 6.15. However, the round opening does not need to be continuous, but may also be formed only as a depression. The journal 153a as part of the first bristle carrier 151a is connected via a snap-click connection with the head part 6.15 and thereby secured axially. The journal 153a and thus the geometric axis of rotation R are arranged centrally. The second brush body 150b is oval. The second brush body 150b contains, as an axle element, a journal 153b which is arranged on the second brush body 150b on the side opposite the second bristle field.

The axle journal 153b and via this the second brush body 150b are rotatably mounted in the axle receptacle, a receiving opening 154b, on the head part 6.15. The receiving opening 154b is also formed as a continuous round opening in the head part 6.15. However, the round opening does not need to be continuous, but may also be formed only as a depression. The journal 153b as part of the second brush body 150b is connected via a snap-click connection with the head part 6.15 and thereby secured axially. However, the journal 153b and thus the geometric axis of rotation R 'are arranged eccentrically with respect to the second bristle carrier 151b. Therefore, the second brush body 150b pivots laterally in a rotational movement about the rotation axis R '. The two brush bodies 150a, 150b are jointly covered by a rubber-elastic edging element 155, which is attached directly to the two brush bodies 150a and 150b.

By manually performed with the toothbrush cleaning movement by means of reciprocating and by applying a contact pressure of the brush head 5.15 the teeth, the second brush body 150b is caused to rotate about the rotation axis R '.

In this case, the second brush body pivots laterally due to the eccentric arrangement of the axis of rotation R 'and exerts a deflection force on the skirt member 155. The deflection force causes a tensile stress in the skirting element 155, which leads to an expansion of the same. By the expansion movement of the skirt member 155, the first brush body 150a is rotated. The influencing of the movements takes place mutually, so that also the first brush body 150a can set the second brush body 150b in motion.

According to the fourteenth embodiment variant according to FIG. 16a-16h, a horseshoe-shaped, second brush body 160b is arranged on the head part 6.16. The horseshoe-shaped, second brush body 160b forms two flexible legs, which enclose a receiving space. The two legs have elastic properties and are thereby laterally outwardly movable. The elastic properties are achieved for example by flexible zones in the legs or by the geometric design of the legs. The legs consist in particular of a hard component, so that the bristles can also be anchored. On the legs cleaning bristles 162b are arranged, which form a bristle field. The receiving space is open towards the free end of the brush head 5.16. On the head part 6.16 is towards the free end of the brush head 5.16 out a first brush body 160a is arranged, which extends with a portion in the horseshoe-shaped opening of the second brush body 160b. The first brush head 160a is guided in a translationally displaceable manner via a slide guide along the longitudinal axis L. The carriage guide comprises a guide groove 165 in the head part 6.16 and a guide element 166 felt in the guide groove 165 on the first brush body 160a. The guide element 166 is arranged on the side opposite the bristle field on the first bristle carrier 161a. The guide member 166 is inserted via a snap-click connection in the guide groove and secured against sliding out. However, the slide guide can also be designed differently.

By manually performed with the toothbrush cleaning movement by reciprocating and by applying a contact pressure of the brush head 5.16 to the teeth, the first brush body 160a is placed in a translational movement. In this case, the first brush body 160a is pushed into the opening between the two legs of the second brush body 160b. The first brush body 160a exerts an expanding force on the two legs in this process. The two legs are pressed apart in the sequence by enlarging the opening and depart laterally. When the first brush body 160a retracts from the opening with the countermovement, the two legs also return to their starting position due to an elastic restoring force.

According to a fifteenth embodiment variant according to FIGS. 17a-17d, in contrast to the preceding embodiments, the brush head 5.17 contains only one brush body 170a movably arranged on the head part 6.17.

The brush body 170a is at the front, i. arranged at the free end portion of the head part 6.17. The brush body 170a comprises a bristle carrier 171 and first cleaning bristles 172a, which are arranged on the bristle carrier 171. These first cleaning bristles 172a form a first bristle field.

Following the brush body 170a in the direction of the handle part, a second bristle field with second cleaning bristles 172b is arranged. The second cleaning bristles 172b are anchored directly in the head part 6.17. As an alternative to this embodiment, the cleaning bristles can also be used in a bristle carrier anchored second Βϋκίεη φεΓβ, which is fixedly arranged on the head part. However, the second bristle field is not movable as a whole relative to the head part.

The movable brush body 170a is round in plan view. It contains as axis member a journal 173, which is arranged on the first bristle field opposite side on the bristle carrier 171.

The axle journal 173 and via this the movable brush body 170a are rotatably mounted in an axle receptacle or axle opening or, as mentioned here, a receiving opening 174 on the head part 6.17. The receiving opening 174 is formed as a continuous round opening in the head part 6.17. However, the round opening does not need to be continuous, but may also be formed only as a depression. The journal 173 as part of the movable

170a is connected via a snap-click connection with the head part 6.17 and thereby secured axially. The journal 173 and thus the geometric axis of rotation R are arranged centrally.

The first end of the bristle box opposite free end of the journal 173 extends beyond the head portion 6.17 on the other side of the continuous receiving opening 174.

By manually performed with the toothbrush cleaning movement by reciprocating and by exerting a contact pressure of the brush head 5.17 to the teeth, the movable brush body 170a is now placed about a rotation axis R in a rotational movement.

FIG. 18 shows a longitudinal section through a particular embodiment of a rotating one

180a. The rotating brush body 180a is the same design and arrangement with respect to the head part 6.18 except for the differences described below. In contrast to the embodiment according to Figure la-ld, the cleaning bristles 182 are not disposed directly on the bristle carrier 181, that is attached or made integral with this, but attached to a support body 186. The cleaning bristles 182 are attached to the carrier body 186 by means of a so-called AFT method. This is done by the cleaning bristles 182 are passed through through holes in the support body 186 therethrough. At this time, the end portions of the cleaning bristles 182 emerging from the through holes at the other end are melted to form a molten bath. The cleaning bristles 182 are thus anchored in the carrier body 186 via the resolidified molten bath. Thereafter, the carrier body 186 is attached to the bristle carrier 181. For this purpose, the carrier body 186 is inserted into a depression in the bristle carrier 181.

Furthermore, further functional elements, such as soft-elastic bristles, may be attached to the carrier body 186. Further functional elements 185 are arranged on the axle 183.

According to the embodiment variant according to FIGS. 19a-19d, the first brush body 210a is round in plan view, in particular circular. The first brush body 210a comprises a first bristle carrier 211a, on which first cleaning bristles 212a are arranged, which form a first bristle field.

The first bristle carrier 211a further includes a journal 213a disposed on the side opposite to the first bristle field. The head part 6.19 contains an axle receptacle or axle opening for the rotatable mounting of the axle journal 213a.

The axle journal 213a and via this the first brush body 210a, the axle receptacle or axle opening are rotatably mounted on the head part 6.19. The axle opening is formed as a continuous round opening in the head part 6.19. However, the round opening does not need to be continuous, but may also be formed only as a depression. The journal 213a as part of the first brush body 210a is connected via a positive connection with the head part 6.19 and axially secured. The free end of the axle journal 213a extends beyond the head part 6.19 with broadening on the other side of the continuous receiving opening.

The second brush body 210b is elongated and includes a second bristle carrier 211b. On the second bristle carrier 21 1b second cleaning bristles 212b are arranged, which form a second bristle field. On the second bristle carrier 21 lb a Gleitnocken 213b is further arranged.

The sliding cam 213b is arranged on the second bristle field opposite side on the second bristle carrier 211b and displaceable in a longitudinal opening 214b in the head part 6.19 along the longitudinal axis L relative to the head part 6.19. As a result, the second brush body 210b is translationally displaceable along the longitudinal axis L. The path of movement is limited by the length or configuration of the longitudinal opening.

The first and second brush bodies 210a, 210b and bristle carriers 211a, 211b are now coupled to one another via a coupling mechanism 215. The coupling mechanism 215 comprises a toothed wheel 217 arranged concentrically to the rotation axis R on the first bristle carrier 21 1a. Furthermore, the coupling mechanism 215 comprises a toothed rack 216 connected to the second bristle carrier 211b and directed towards the first bristle carrier 211a. The rack 216 engages with its teeth on the gear 217. The coupling is now such that the alternately translationally moving second brush body 210b displaces the first brush body 210a into an alternating rotational movement via the coupling mechanism 215. The first and second bristle carriers 211a, 211b thus form together a bristle carrier unit 220.

As a result of the toothed engagement, the toothed rack 216 moved translationally together with the second brush body 210b causes the toothed wheel 217 and with it the first brush body 210a to rotate. However, the rotational movement is within a limited angle of rotation of less than 360 °.

The angle of rotation is defined inter alia by the toothing on the toothed wheel 217, the tooth length on the rack 216 and the possible translatory movement of the second brush body 210a.

If, therefore, the second brush body 210b is moved translationally toward the first brush body 210a, a simultaneous rotational movement of the first brush body 210a is initiated via the coupling mechanism 215. If the second brush body 210b moves back translationally, the two brush bodies 210a, 210b move away from each other again and the first brush body 210a simultaneously rotates in the opposite direction.

The coupling mechanism 215 thus causes, in a translational movement of the second brush body 210b, and the second bristle carrier 211b, the first brush body 210a, and the first bristle carrier 211a, simultaneously performs a rotational movement. According to the embodiment variants according to FIGS. 20a-20k and 21a-21k, the brush head 5.20, 5.21 comprises a head part 6.20, 6.21 and a bristle carrier unit 320, 420 mounted on the head part 6.20, 6.21. The bristle carrier unit 320, 420 contains a first bristle carrier 311a, 411a, which is round in plan view and an elongate in plan view second bristle carrier 311b, 411b. The bristle carriers 311a, 311b; 411a, 41b each form together with bristles (not shown) a first and second brushes, respectively. For this purpose, the bristle carriers 311a, 311b; 411a, 411b on the side facing away from the head part 6.20, 6.21 side recordings for bristles.

The bristle carrier unit 320, 420 further comprises a coupling mechanism 315, 415 which supports the two bristle carriers 311a, 31b; 411a, 411b mechanically interconnected.

The first bristle carrier 31 1a, 411a is rotatable in a receiving opening 314a, 414a on the head part 6.20, 6.21 via a journal 313a, 413a, which is arranged on the side opposite the first bristle field (not shown) on the first bristle carrier 311a, 411a stored and held. The second bristle carrier 311b, 41b is disposed on the second bristle carrier 311b, 411b via a slide cam 313b, 413b, which is arranged on the second bristle field (not shown) in a longitudinal opening 314b, 414b on the head part 6.20, 6.21 along the Longitudinal axis L mounted and held translationally displaceable. According to the embodiment according to FIGS. 20a-20k, the coupling mechanism 315 comprises a guide arm 316 arranged centrally and running parallel to the longitudinal axis L, which connects the two bristle carriers 311a, 311b or their axle journals 313a and slide cams 313b to one another. The guide arm 316 is in particular made of a hard plastic. The guide arm 316 is in particular as formed separate component, which is arranged on the bristle field opposite the back of the head part 6.21.

The guide arm 316 is fastened to the slide cam 313b of the second bristle carrier 31 1b and is movable relative thereto. The guide arm 316 is suspended in particular on the slide cam 313b. The connection may in particular be a latching connection. The compound is preferably non-detachable or only solvable by destruction. The guide arm 316 is angled to the side in the region of the journal 313a of the first bristle carrier 311a. The angled arm portion of the guide arm 316 has at its free end a receiving opening for receiving a relative to the axis of rotation of the first bristle carrier 311a radially outward on the journal 313a arranged guide pin 317. The receiving opening has over the guided in the receiving opening guide pin 317 game on. The receiving opening can, for. B. slot-shaped. The recording with game is necessary to allow the movement described below.

The coupling mechanism 315 is configured and connected to the bristle carriers 311a, 311b such that a translational movement of the slide cam 313b in the longitudinal opening 314b is transmitted to the guide arm 316 and its receiving opening at the free end of the bent arm portion.

As a result, the guided in the receiving opening guide pin 317 is also set in motion, whereby the first bristle carrier 311 a performs a teilumfängliche rotational movement about its axis of rotation. The rotation angle may be 10 ° to 70 °, in particular 15 ° to 45 °.

The movement of the guide pin 317 thus takes place along a circular path about the axis of rotation of the bristle carrier 311a while the receiving opening at the angled Armabschnitt performs a translational movement. The leadership of the guide pin 317 with play in the receiving opening now ensures that despite deviating movement path no tension in the guide arm 316 are introduced. This is particularly important if the guide arm 316 is not formed or only limited elastic.

The coupling mechanism 315 thus causes the first bristle carrier 311a to simultaneously execute a rotational movement during a translatory movement of the second bristle carrier 311b.

According to the embodiment according to FIGS. 21a-21k, the coupling mechanism 415 comprises a guide arm 416 which is arranged laterally on the bristle carrier unit 420 and runs parallel to the longitudinal axis L and which connects the two bristle carriers 411a, 411b to one another. The Führungsangsarm 416 is in particular of a hard plastic.

The guide arm 416 is angled in the region of the journal 413a of the first bristle carrier 411a to the axis of rotation R. The angled arm portion of the guide arm 416 is connected to the journal 413a of the first bristle carrier 411a. The angled arm portion is hung in particular in a groove on the first bristle carrier 41 1a or at the axle journal 413a, z. B. via a locking connection. The guide arm 416 extends between the front and the back of the head part 6.21 within the brush body 5.21. The coupling mechanism 415 is configured and connected to the bristle carriers 411a, 411b such that translational movement of the second bristle carrier 41 1b is transmitted to the guide arm 416 and correspondingly to the bent arm portion. The first bristle carrier 411a is now placed over the angled arm portion in a teilumfängliche rotational movement. Thus, in the case of a translational movement of the second bristle carrier 411b, the coupling mechanism 415 causes the first bristle carrier 411a to simultaneously execute a rotational movement.

According to the embodiment variants according to FIGS. 20a-20k and 21a-21k, individual functional elements, in particular cleaning bristles 377, 477, are arranged laterally on the head part 6.20, 6.21 in the area of the second bristle carrier 31 1b, 411b. The functional elements, in particular bristles 377, 477, are connected via a holding section 375, 475 to the head section 6.20, 6.21. The holding section 375, 475 also forms a delimiting element 375, 475 for limiting the translational movement of the second bristle carrier 311, 41 lb.

For this purpose, the second bristle carrier 311b, 411b laterally arranged indentations 376, 476, in which the holding portions 375, 475 of the functional elements 377, 477 are performed with play. The bristle carriers 311b, 411b can now only be translationally displaced in the longitudinal direction L as far as the indentations 376, 476 have play relative to the holding sections 375, 475. The clearance between indentations 376, 476 and holding sections 375, 475 defines the maximum possible path of movement.

It is conceivable that in the aforementioned embodiments of a bristle carrier or brush head is actively driven by a motor and indirectly drives in this way the other bristle carrier or brush head. The motor drive can be electric.

Claims

1. Toothbrush (1), comprising a base body (2) with a handle part (3), a neck part (4) and a head part (6.1-6.12), characterized in that in the head part (6.1-6.12) at least one, relative to Head part (6.1-6.12) movable brush body (10a-120a, 10b-120b) is arranged, which together with the head part (6.1-6.12) at least part of a brush head (5.1 -5.12) is formed, wherein the at least one brush body (10a 120a, 10b-120b) via a cleaning movement applied manually to the teeth relative to the head part

(6.1-6.12) is movable.

2. Toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that in the head part (6.1- 6.12) at least two, relative to the head part (6.1-6.12) and relatively movable brush body (10a-120a, 10b-120b) are arranged, which together with the Head part (6.1-6.12) form at least a part of a brush head (5.1-5.12), wherein the at least two brush body (10a-120a, 10b-120b) via a manually applied to the teeth cleaning movement relative to the head part (6.1-6.12) are movable ,

3. Toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one brush body (10a-100a) is rotatably mounted on the head part (6.1-6.10) about a geometric axis of rotation (D) within a rotational angle. 4. Toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one brush body (10b-40b, 60b-100b) on the head part (6.1-6.

4, 6.6- 6.12) along the longitudinal axis (L) of the toothbrush (1) is translationally movable.

5. Toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the base body (2) is made in one piece in an injection molding process.

6. toothbrush according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the at least two brush body (10a-80a, 110a-120a; 10b-80b, 11 Ob- 120b) are mutually independently movable.

7. toothbrush according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the at least two brush body (90a, 100a, 90b, 100b) via coupling means, in particular a coupling mechanism, (14) are coupled together such that a movement of the one brush body ( 20) triggers a movement in the other brush body (10) via the coupling means (14).

8. Toothbrush according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that a first brush body (10a-40a; 60a-100a) rotatably mounted on the head part (6.1-6.4; 6.6-6.10) about a geometric axis of rotation (D) within a rotational angle 60b-100b) are arranged adjacent to the first brush body (10a-40a; 60a-100a) towards the handle portion (3) on the head portion (6.1-6.4; 6.6-6.10) and along the longitudinal axis (L) of the toothbrush (1) is translationally movable.

9. toothbrush according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the translationally movable brush body (10b-40b, 60b-100b) along a slide guide (13b-43b, 73b-103b, 14b-44b, 74b-104b) translationally movable is.

10. Toothbrush according to claim 9, characterized in that the slide guide comprises a through the head part (6.3, 6.4, 6.8) formed longitudinal guide body (34b, 44b, 84b), on which the brush body (30b, 40b, 80b), at least one, the longitudinal guide body (34b, 44b, 84b) at least partially encompassing guide member (33b, 43b, 83b) is slidably guided.

11. Toothbrush according to claim 9, characterized in that the slide guide is formed by the head part (6.1, 6.2, 6.7, 6.13, 6.14)

Guide opening (14b, 24b, 74b, 134b, 144b) along which the brush body (10b, 20b, 70b) passes over at least one guide element (13b, 23b, 14b, 24b, 74b, 134b, 144b) which engages in the guide opening (14b, 24b, 74b, 134b, 144b). 73b, 133b, 143b) is slidably guided.

12. Toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least one brush body (30a, 40a) via a hinge connection (33a, 34a, 43a, 44a) with the head part (6.3, 6.4) about a pivot point (P) in three axial directions can be deflected.

A toothbrush according to claim 12, characterized in that the articulation (33a, 34a, 43a, 44a) is a ball joint, the ball joint comprising a condyle (33a, 43a) and a socket (34a, 44a).

14. Toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that at least one brush body (120b) via a hinged connection with the head part (6.12) is designed as a rocker, wherein the bristle carrier (121b) on a rocker axis (124b) is mounted ,

15. A toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that at least one brush body (112a, 122a, 112b) via one or more lifting elements 113, 114, 123), which with the brush body (112a, 122a, 112b) and the Head part (6.11, 6.12) are connected and each form an axis of rotation or a pivot, parallelogram out of the head part (6.11, 6.12) ausschwenkbar- is.

16. Toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that on the head part (6.6, 6.13, 6.14) or on the brush body, a return member (63, 75, 135, 145) is provided for returning the brush body (60b, 70b) from a, in particular rotary or translational deflection in a starting position.

17. Toothbrush according to claim 16, characterized in that the restoring member (63, 75, 135, 145) consists of a soft component with elastic own shanks.

18. Toothbrush according to one of claims 16 to 17, characterized in that the return element is designed as a spring element.

19. Toothbrush according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the return member (75) at least one laterally from the brush body (70b) on the head part (6.7) arranged deflecting element, which is such from the head part (6.7) laterally above that this is deflected in the direction of movement with a translational displacement of the brush body (70b) via a driving contact with the brush body (70b).

20. A method for producing a toothbrush according to claims 1 to 19, characterized by the production of at least the main body (2) in an injection molding process,